Their faith never wavering, the congregation at the church at the heart of Montreal's English-speaking Black community celebrated Sunday, reopening its doors after four difficult years.

Closed while in need of $1-million worth of renovations, the 108-year-old Union United Church reopened with a special service of thanksgiving.

The show included a performance by piano great Oliver Jones.

Jones performed on the baby grand piano he donated to the Little Burgundy church, receiving a standing ovation for his performance.

"I see a lot of happy faces, like myself, very, very happy to be back home," said Jones, who is a member of the congregation.
 


The congregation was forced out four years ago because the ceiling was in poor shape; walls and floors also needed attention. Mould and asbestos insulation had to be removed. The plumbing and wiring needed to be updated, new toilets were installed and a general redecorating was required.

“They were so afraid that they were going to lose the church because of the maintenance but I was happy that they could raise so much money to get it back together again,” said parishioner Jewel Jones.

Many said they approve of the makeover.

“It’s very good!” said Floreen Joseph. “I came down to do some cleaning. I knelt on the floor and I said ‘Thank you, Lord.’”During the renovations, the congregation relocated, first to Rosedale United in NDG, until that church was sold; then for the past few months at Wesley United, also in NDG.

Back in the pews of a church that is a second home to many, parishioners were overjoyed.

"I feel happy because it's been a while and people are just really excited, because this is where we started," said young parishioner Zoeh Julien.