Good News
Phase Two of basement renovations now complete. Speke Hall is open for business!
In 2005 our building experienced a catastrophic flood. By the time the damage was detected, the basement walls were soaked and the insulation was destroyed. But more was to come.
As the parish began the labour of stripping the wallboard and discarding the insulation, black mold was discovered. The potentially toxic effects of this required the congregation to vacate the building and pay for a very expensive clean-up. While new epoxy in the offending cracks eliminated any fears of a recurrence and all signs of the mold were destroyed, the costs meant that the parish no longer had the means to renovate.
However, since the arrival of our incumbent in 2007, we have been working on finding the means and strength to renovate. Phase One was completed in 2009 and now Phase Two is finished.
Phase Two included a major renovation of the kitchen area, which expanded the facilities and storage. New cupboards and sinks were accompanied by new appliances, including an industrial dishwasher, four ovens and two cook surfaces. The health inspector and fire department have certified the facilities ready to use and the parish is looking forward to being able to exercise its gift of hospitality once again.
A fresh coat of paint, a new roof and new windows
While our renovation efforts have focused on the church, attention also was required at the parish home, called a “rectory” in Anglican circles. The rector’s family had the garage doors and trim painted while the parish installed new shingles and windows. The house looks great and will stand up well to the cold winds of a Grande Prairie winter.