The recent changes to the exterior of First Presbyterian Church mirror some of the transformations occurring within the congregation.
The church, located at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Seventh Street, is currently undergoing a refurbishing that includes painting of the church's exterior. The church had been white but is now a mocha colour, a symbolism not lost on its minister, Tim Bruneau.
"The church used to be white in exterior and interior. It has really changed," he said about the congregation's chang-ing demographics. "We have quite a few Africans and Asians."
Bruneau is pleased that the church is starting to be a little more reflective of the broader community.
When Bruneau came to the church about seven years ago, he said there were about 70 members in the congregation.
"It's probably around 100, maybe a little more," he said.
"This fall it seems to be picking up. That is life-giving."
Bruneau believes that one of the church's draws is the fact that it offers "pretty traditional" elements to its services.
The church is also getting reacquainted with some of the traditional elements of its building. A light in the church's steeple was recently relit after decades in the dark.
"From what I hear, it hasn't been on for 60 or 70 years," Bruneau said. "It's so awkward to get there. You have to take a ladder to get up into the attic."
In past years, someone had to physically climb three storeys to manually turn on the light. As a result, it hadn't been used in decades.
"Now it is a light-sensitive bulb. We don't have to click a switch," Bruneau explained of the change that's made it easier to light the steeple each evening. "It's a beautiful image of the church bringing a light to the community."
The small room that houses the steeple's light is also home to other equipment that won't be getting used anytime soon.
"We also found big speakers pointed out to the neighbourhood. Big chimes used to play - you can flick the switch," Bruneau said about speakers that send the sound of the chimes through the neighbourhood. "That was all in vogue one-half century ago - not so much anymore."
In addition to painting the church and turning on the steeple's light, the church refurbishment includes new signage and gardening.
One tree had to be cut down as part of the project.
"One of the trees was falling over. Branches were falling down," Bruneau noted. "We had to take it down."
The church is undergoing an exterior refurbishing, but it's also changing inside as well.
"It's getting to be a very gracious place," Bruneau said.
"It is a very comfortable place where everyone feels 'I am quite new here.' It's a time of transition, which is quite freeing."
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