Church of the Holy Cross – Skatin BC- Formerly Skookumchuk
Heritage Canada Commemorative Plaque 2006
Inside, the stunning beauty of its handcrafted art creates a sense of peace and connection to the past. But the somewhat isolated location on the banks of the Lillooet River, and after a century of spring flooding, weather and geography have taken their toll.
“Parks Canada has signed a Cost Sharing agreement that will provide up to 50% of eligible conservation costs. But the Society still has to raise over $200,000 to “match” that grant. Costs are increasing, and work needs to begin by summer 2011.
“And for this, we pray for your help.”
In 1981, the Church was declared a National Heritage Site by the Canadian Sites and Monuments Board, of value to all Canadians. During the next few years, repair work was completed, a new roof put on, and the building was painted.
Holy Cross Altar
Many of the descendants of the original builders are involved in efforts to restore the Church and its legacy of fine craftsmanship and faith. Six and seven generations have celebrated important life transitions there – baptisms, First Holy Communion, confirmation, weddings, anniversaries, and funerals. It is also a place for celebration of important cultural and spiritual events in the life of the people. Although less than 1/3 of the local band members live in their traditional territory, most of them “come home” to visit family and ceremonies in the Church as always part of that homecoming.
Elder Betsy Jack, speaking of the Church over three decades ago, said “it has always been the heart of the community”. Like many of the elders of her generation, funeral services for Betsy were held there, witnessed by hundreds of family and friends.
“At certain times in the evening if you pass by the church, you can hear the spirits of our ancestors singing Sekotah songs. Traditional spirit songs. You can hear them inside…That church holds a lot of ancestors’ spirits and I believe that is what keeps us going to this day.”
Auntie Kicya7
The original foundation was made of hand-hewn timbers resting on log blocks set on river rocks from the Lillooet River. Without a new foundation, the Church of the Holy Cross was at great risk. Although broken windows and missing shingles were more visible, the foundation work had to come first.
Volunteers from Ama Liisaoss Heritage Trust Society raised funds for several years, contracted with architects and engineers to develop planning documents and to ensure the best approach, and employed a general contractor to work with 6 local men to begin preserving the Church.
Although a new foundation under the church was completed in 2009, replacing the original logs and river rock with concrete pilings, there is still a huge amount of repair and restoration needed.
Most of the windows in the towers are no longer secure, with many being removed for safe storage while a Conservation Plan is being completed. The large rose stained-glass window in the front needs repair, and cedar shingles on the spires need replacing.
And now Society Volunteers are beginning Phase II. Our vision is for a complete restoration – so that descendants and visitors can enjoy this spiritual place for another century.
And for this, we pray for your help. Parks Canada has signed a Cost Sharing agreement, that will provide up to 50% of eligible conservation costs. But the Society still has to raise over $200,000 to “match” that grant – costs are increasing, and work needs to begin by summer 2011.
The church here is really important to the people. I was married here and lots of people I know and my family were married here. It is really important to have the church in the community…iIt is also important for the younger people to know how the church was built.
Sylvester Sam, 2003
