tling beams, water leakage and shingles in need of replace¬ ment. A special meeting of the congregation was held May 19, 1982 to discuss the issue and present three estimates for repair. This opened the discussion between the choices of lowering the tower and spire or carrying out the necessary repairs to the original structure. The majority at the meet¬ ing requested a second meeting be held with a contractor present to explain the options. That meeting was scheduled for June 9, 1982. The time between the two meetings entertained plenty of discussion in the community regarding the issue; strong sentiments were expressed in favour of not changing the structure. Opinion was even voiced from outside the com¬ munity when people heard there was a chance that the steeple would be dismantled. Military pilots at Canadian Summerside informed people of the congrega¬ tion that the steeple was a landmark they didn't wish to lose. At the June 9th meeting, Mr. Peter Steele of Steele Con¬ struction Ltd , made the recommendation that the original structure be repaired. A motion was passed at the meeting to follow this recommendation and Mr. Steele 's company was hired to do the work. A Tower and Spire committee was formed to raise the necessary funds. The committee immediately set to work and, through the generous donations of time and material by the congregation, carried out a number of fund raising pro¬ jects: a lobster supper, flea market, hot dog sale at the Sunday School picnic, pantry sale, car wash, song-a-rama, bottle blitz, collection of personal donations, and a wonder¬ ful fall fair. Together, their efforts realized a total of $8,193.40. The total repair bill was $7,685.16. The minister at the time, Rev. Dr. William MacDougall expressed his appreciation to the trustees, funding committee, and the con¬ gregation, describing it as "a job well done." Many times over the years the issue of space for the Sunday School classes and youth groups arose at the annual meetings. Once St . James Methodist Church fell into disre¬ pair and was taken down, the Sunday School was left with only the sanctuary and entryway of the United Church for 61 Church Property: Past and Present