Just one day after learning of the loss of their former pastor, the much beloved Msgr. Tom Raby, parishioners were told their historic church will soon be closing.

On Nov. 24 the congregation will gather for what will be the last Mass celebrated in Kingston’s second-oldest Catholic church.

Kingston Archbishop Brendan O’Brien visited the parish on Sept. 7 and 8 to inform parishioners in person of the pending closure.

“There are of course mixed feelings whenever one is faced with a decision of this sort,” the archbishop told The Whig-Standard. “Especially when one is dealing with such a close parish community and a church with a history in Kingston second only to the cathedral.”

He cited a combination of lack of clergy and costly but necessary renovations as factors which led to the decision.

Over the past two years $175,000 was invested in repairing the stonework and replacing the roof on the tower. It is estimated an additional $400,000 would be required to bring the aging structure back to its former glory.

Built primarily with convict labour from Kingston Penitentiary, another local landmark scheduled to be shuttered this fall, the original cost of construction came in around $15,000. The inaugural Mass was held in 1894 just 21 months after construction began.

While the parish once boomed with parishioners, the years have slowly watered down the numbers in the pews. On Sept. 7 only 35 parishioners where in the church to hear O’Brien’s announcement, and the church was half empty at services the following day. 

What will become of the heritage-designated property is still to be determined.