1820s-inspired ‘Restoration Restaurant’ fundraiser in the works in Port Hope

Alpha Painting has started restoration work on St. Mark’s Anglican Church. /Signe Langford photo

By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt

Coming up in September, you can travel back in time in Port Hope and enjoy a harvest-style 1800s dinner while helping preserve a one-of-a-kind architectural gem, says St. Mark’s Heritage Foundation Chair Blake Holton.

The St. Mark’s Anglican Church located at 51 King St. in Port Hope is a 204-year-old structure, and the non-denominational St. Mark’s Heritage Foundation is tasked with its upkeep and helping to ensure it continues standing for years to come, Holton told the Independent.

“It (the foundation) doesn’t have anything to do with the goings on inside the church,” he explained, stressing this is more about architecture.

Over the years, the foundation has helped with new roofs, painting, and issues like when the roof was leaking, as just a few examples. But then last year, a more in-depth examination of the exterior revealed it was in “wicked shape.”

In short, with an iron clapboard exterior that’s covered in paint, moisture gets underneath the paint in these structures, and then the wood starts to rot – and the rot was found to be substantial, leading the foundation down the path of obtaining quotes for repairs estimated between $50,000 and $55,000, said Holton.

“We work hard to raise money and put it in the bank for when the time is needed – but boy, oh boy, $55,000 is a lot of money.”

While about half of the monies needed so far have been raised, the hope is a team-up involving the foundation, Signe’s Kitchen + Studio and Spoonful by Didem will help the restoration project cross the finish line with the creation of “Restoration Restaurant” coming up on Sept. 12.

Chef Signe Langford described St. Mark’s as a rare example of Carpenter Gothic-style architecture. Carpenter Gothic means it’s essentially made out of wood, she explained.

“There are only five (of these) left standing in Canada. And of course, most Victorian wooden structures have not survived until today because they (were) heated with wood fires and they all burned down. 

“There are only a few left standing from coast-to-coast and we have one right here in Port Hope. This should be something that we shout from the rooftops – it should be a real point of pride,” shared Langford, on her inspiration for getting involved with this initiative, which also pairs well her work as a chef. (She is not part of the foundation.)

Monies raised will help with the latest restoration work needed.

Earlier, Holton said crews had to come with a man lift and scrape down the entire surface of the church – front, sides and back – and then it had to be sanded down, and it was during this time they realized “there was quite a bit more rot in the wood than they had anticipated.”

The carpenters had to come, take that wood out and replace it, and that took about two weeks. Now, as of this last Wednesday, Alpha Painting started painting the exterior with man lifts, with this work expected to take two-three weeks depending on the weather.

“It’s going to be painted an off-white colour – the same as it has always been. But we’re quite excited about that,” noted Holton.

For the 1820s-inspired meal fundraiser, there are about 80 tickets and half are still up for grabs – and organizers are hoping the community will answer the call to help preserve this landmark.

“This church was designated as a heritage site in 1978, and after that, so many buildings in Port Hope were designated as historic sites that per capita we have one of the largest numbers of designated buildings anywhere in Canada,” added Holton.

In terms of the fundraiser at St. Mark’s Parish Hall, attendees can expect fine food and drinks, as well as a tour and presentation about the rare architectural structure. The event runs 5:30 to 9 p.m. and tickets are $125 per person. Sponsors Ganaraska Brewing Company and the Grange of Prince Edward have also stepped up to help.

Hearing of the demand for help – and also that the hall’s kitchen and dining room are a “cook’s dream” – it didn’t take long for Langford to step in as chef for the evening – and her time as an author also helped pen the catchy “Restoration Restaurant” event name and then theme.

“She is such an incredible woman, you know, and an incredible cook,” added Holton.

On the night of, attendees can expect a four-course meal – all of which would’ve been served in the 1820s when the church was built.

“It’s going to be a wonderful meal, but we just wanted to get the word out there that it doesn’t matter if you’re religious or not, because, you know, my mother (would kick) me but I haven’t been to church in probably 50 years,” shared Holton.

During the dinner, there will also be activities such as live music and an art auction – expect Clarie and Farley Mowat’s books, a David Blackwood print, and more.

“So not only do you come home with a full stomach, but you might come home with a piece of art,” said Holton.

For Langford, she’s often in the area and noted she catches licence plates from as far away as Quebec sometimes visiting the church and she never hesitates to ask about their stories.

In the one Quebec visitor instance, she heard: “‘Oh, we go married here and we just drove out here just to have a look at it again.’”

“It’s such a beautiful church that people drop into it all the time because it’s so special.”

In her role as chef, Langford will recreate the kind of harvest meal that would’ve been eaten by people who lived in this area in 1820. This means cooking with items like heritage pork (although there will be a vegetarian option) but mostly people ate what they grew, foraged and hunted, she explained.

“They didn’t eat chicken as much because chickens were too valuable for their eggs. They didn’t eat beef so much because a cow was too valuable for her milk. They ate pork – a lot of pork –because any household (and) anyone along Walton Street could have a couple of pigs out in the backyard.”

She, too, noted her inspiration around getting involved has nothing to do with religion, but rather because she feels this building is “absolutely special.” She also enjoys tackling historical or international menus and bring interesting dining to Port Hope.

In terms of the menu, to start, there will be warm mulled soft apple cider, squash and corn soup with the Hen and Hook’s whole grain red fife bread rolls and Lofty Butter’s handmade cultured sweet butter.

The main course features cider-braised Harley Farms’ heritage pork with onions and herbs served with Merlin Forest spiced cranberry red wine preserves – or buttery shirred eggs with farmhouse cheese, nutmeg, heavy cream, and herbed breadcrumbs, with honey and butter-roasted parsnips, beets and carrots, and creamy mashed potatoes. Dessert will feature baked stuffed apples with maple syrup and custard.

Organizers are hoping people will scoop up the remainder of tickets within the next week so Langford can plan dinners. To reserve a spot, people can call 905-885-0673 or email langfordsigne@gmail.com.