Community support breathes new life into Paris Plains Church preservation efforts

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

A call for help to protect one of the area’s most recognizable historic landmarks has turned into renewed momentum for the Paris Plains Church.

Just a few months after community members were asked to step forward and help secure the future of the nearly 181-year-old cobblestone church and neighbouring Maus School, the Paris Plains Church Historical Society is moving ahead with a renewed organization, a membership drive and new fundraising and community initiatives.

The developments follow a community meeting held June 29 that drew an encouraging response from residents interested in preserving the historic property.

“The outstanding turnout at the June 29 meeting was both encouraging and inspiring,” according to society members. “It was invigorating to see people with long-standing ties to Paris Plains Church alongside newcomers who share a passion for preserving its history.”

The meeting represented an important turning point for a property facing increasing maintenance demands and a need for more volunteers to help with fundraising, upkeep and long-term planning.

Earlier this year, longtime caretaker and historian Ray Perriman said the goal was to build a volunteer base capable of ensuring the church could thrive for future generations. At the time, Perriman was serving as the sole director of the historical society and said additional community involvement would be critical to the church’s future.

That call appears to have been answered.

“The enthusiasm, ideas, and willingness to work together demonstrated that there is strong community support for the Society’s mission,” members said. “It is exciting to see the momentum building as we move forward to preserve the legacy of Paris Plains Church for future generations.”

A new Paris Plains Church Historical Society has now been formed, and organizers are inviting residents to become non-voting members for $20 annually.

Membership fees will directly support preservation efforts, heritage projects and community initiatives associated with the church and Maus School. Members will also receive regular updates and newsletters and information about upcoming events, projects and volunteer opportunities.

The renewed activity comes at an important time for the historic site.

Built in 1845, Paris Plains Church is a rare example of the cobblestone construction that helped establish this area’s reputation as the Cobblestone Capital of Canada. Its walls were built by volunteers using fieldstones collected from local farms and waterways, with individual rows of stones laid at different angles by the farmers who contributed their labour.

More than 180 years later, volunteers are once again playing an important role in determining its future.

The society is also turning its attention to fundraising with a little Halloween fun thrown into the mix.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, the society will host its Boo Bash at The Lavender Farm, 769 Drumbo Rd. in Ayr, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The family-friendly Halloween fundraiser will support preservation efforts at Paris Plains Church and Maus School and feature activities including Halloween bowling, Body Bin, Monster Cans, a colouring table, mini pumpkin decorating, cornhole, Pin the Spider on the Web and Witch Pitch.

Children are encouraged to come dressed in costume, and The Glass Slipper Company will provide a character meet-and-greet during the event.

Tickets are available through TicketScene at https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/65563/

While the Boo Bash will help raise funds, another initiative is asking residents to contribute their creativity.

The society has launched a logo design contest to establish a new visual identity for the historic site.

Organizers are looking for a clean and memorable design that reflects the church’s distinctive cobblestone architecture, its history and its connection to the community.

The winning design will be featured on the society’s website, social media channels, branding and promotional materials, with the successful designer also receiving recognition through local media.

Submissions should include both colour and black-and-white versions of the proposed logo, along with a few sentences explaining the inspiration behind the design.

The deadline to enter is Nov. 15.

Together, the initiatives mark a significant change from earlier this year, when questions remained about whether enough people would step forward to help shoulder responsibility for the aging property.

The church and Maus School both require ongoing attention. Earlier this year, deteriorating exterior windows and an interior painting project were among the needs identified, while limited revenue from weddings and events made funding larger restoration projects increasingly difficult.

The Maus School, built in 1869, also remains part of the historic property, although it is currently closed to the public following years of vandalism.

For a church originally built through the efforts of local residents, the latest chapter in its history is once again being shaped by community involvement.

Those interested in purchasing a $20 annual membership, submitting a logo design or learning more about the Paris Plains Church Historical Society can email parisplainschurch@gmail.com.