Future of Historic Paris Plains Church depends on community interest
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
Casandra Turnbull
Managing Editor
The future of one of the area's most recognizable historic landmarks may depend on how many people show up for a community meeting later this month.
For decades, the cobblestone walls of the Paris Plains Church have stood as a reminder of the region's pioneer roots. Today, however, the nearly 181-year-old building faces a challenge that has little to do with age and everything to do with sustainability.
On June 15 at 7 p.m., community members are invited to gather at the church chapel on Paris Plains Road East to discuss what comes next for the historic property and the adjacent Maus School.
The meeting is being organized by longtime caretaker and historian Ray Perriman, who currently serves as the sole director of the Paris Plains Church Historical Society.
"It's created a circumstance where we need more input," said Perriman.
While volunteers regularly step forward to help with tasks such as lawn maintenance and minor repairs, Perriman says the reality is that both the building and its maintenance needs are aging alongside him.
Approaching his 70s, Perriman wants to ensure there is a long-term plan in place to preserve the church for future generations.
"This meeting is about planning for the future to make sure the church can thrive for the next generations," he said.
Constructed in 1845, the Paris Plains Church is considered a rare and significant example of cobblestone architecture, a building technique introduced to the area around 1838. The structure was built by volunteers using fieldstones gathered from local farms and nearby rivers. Different rows of stones were laid at varying angles, reflecting the work of individual farmers who contributed their labour to the project.
The church's Gothic Revival design remains one of the finest examples of the architecture that helped earn the area its reputation as the Cobblestone Capital of Canada.
Located between the Paris Plains Cemetery and the former Maus School, the church has become a popular destination for history enthusiasts, photographers and visitors curious about local heritage.
Perriman said many people who visit the church are amazed by what they discover inside.
"People who come out and see the church are in amazement," he said.
That sentiment is echoed by visitors who have shared their experiences online.
"We were on a drive yesterday and noted that the Paris Plains Church was open. We had never seen the interior except through a window," wrote Roger Campbell in a social media post.
"A friendly gentleman, Mr. Perriman, was cutting the lawn and invited us in to view this historic church. What a treat to actually step inside this amazing historic church. One can only imagine all the Paris residents that stepped through these doors since 1845 for church services, weddings and funerals."
Today, the church operates without a denominational affiliation, much like its original roots as a community church. While regular services are no longer held, the building continues to host occasional weddings and historical tours. Its intimate chapel can accommodate approximately 100 guests.
Perriman's own family history is closely tied to the building and perhaps it’s largely the reason he cares for the building and is dedicated to ensuring its longevity.
"I have sisters and aunts that were married there," he said, with family weddings dating back to the 1950s. He also attended classes at the Maus School early in his education.
However, preserving a 19th-century building comes with growing costs.
The Paris Plains Church Historical Society is not a charitable organization and therefore has limited opportunities to generate revenue. Funding primarily comes from occasional weddings and events held on the property.
Those revenues are often insufficient to cover major restoration projects.
Among the most pressing needs are repairs to deteriorating exterior windows and an upcoming interior painting project.
"The problem moving forward is how do we fund projects on aging facilities," Perriman asked.
He notes that the community has faced a similar crossroads before.
"In 1948 a group of community members got together and were faced with the same dilemma — do we go to work and fix it or let it fall apart," he said. "They began restoration and formed a restoration committee. Ironically we are kind of at the same time frame now."
The response to the June meeting may help determine the next chapter for the church.
Perriman hopes residents will step forward to form a volunteer board capable of managing maintenance, fundraising and long-term planning.
If community support is limited, he may begin discussions with organizations such as the Canadian heritage conservation organization, the Natural Trust, or the Ontario Heritage Trust, which specialize in preserving historic properties.
"The community's response is going to be the strongest indicator to me on what I do next," he said.
The challenge, he says, is reconnecting newer residents with the area's history.
"The growth of this community is not only people coming in from larger centres, but people immigrating from overseas and they don't have a connection to the community," said Perriman. "So I see it very challenging to expand and get a broader input from the community."
The adjacent Maus School, originally built in 1869 as the fourth school serving the area, remains part of the historic property but is not open to the public due to years of vandalism. The church, school and cemetery all occupy land originally purchased from Henry Maus, although the cemetery is governed separately. Perriman hopes the June 15 meeting will spark renewed interest in preserving an important piece of local history before the decision is made by necessity rather than choice. Anyone interested in the future of the Paris Plains Church and Maus School is invited to attend the public meeting on Monday, June 15, at 7 p.m. at the church on Paris Plains Road East.
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