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seconded by Winston Yeo to move ahead with the hiring of an architect to draw up plans and cost projections. Less than a week later, another congregational meeting was held. Committee chairman Douglas Miller introduced retired architect Keith Pickard of Charlottetown who had studied the possibilities for expansion and had a number of propos- als to put forth. Mr. Pickard estimated a 600 square foot expansion would cost fifty to sixty thousand dollars. There was no shortage of discussion during the meeting which resulted in a motion moved by Edward Clark, seconded by WP. Miller, and carried by the congregation for the trustees to hire Mr. Pickard to draw up plans and cost estimates.

By October 28, Mr. Pickard had the plans ready to pre- sent. The architect had cleverly designed the addition to fit on the small strip of land between the church and cemetery on the south side. The expansion was to consist of a base— ment and a main floor. No additional land would be need- ed. The total cost would be approximately $85,000. Considering the original cost of the church building, it seemed an awesome amount. However, it was reported that an amount of $22,000 was now pledged. The congregation voted to move ahead. Since all church properties are held nationally by the United Church of Canada, permission was received from the Prince Edward Island Presbytery to move ahead with the expansion. The trustees awarded the con— tract to Remley Construction of Summerside. The company owner, Mr. Chester Remley, and his foreman, Mr. Harley Clark, supervised the project which was started November 19, 1996.

Vice-chairman of the building committee, Mr. Allison Johnson stated, “We were trembling when the big machine started excavating. We were working with little space and feared that a grave could appear where it was not expected. It was pretty tense until we were well down into the ground.” All went as planned and the congregation quickly saw the project unfold before their eyes.

It was a busy time for the building committee who over- saw the construction. The only snag happened on a very cold, windy Christmas Day. The construction crew had

CHURCH PROPERTY: PAST AND PRESENT