The 150+ year old Maple Grove United Church may be no more, but its legacy will live on thanks to the $580,000 in donations made to eight institutions serving the community.
The funds were distributed from the proceeds of the $1.15 million sale of the church to a religious entity (see below). The church in Courtice, Clarington, was closed on June 30. It formally records its history from Sunday, December 29, 1872.
After legal fees and real estate fees were paid, the United Church of Canada was given 60 per cent of the proceeds. Eastern Central Ontario Region Council (ECORC) manages the 60 per cent and payouts to indigenous and other groups such as helping churches, explained Iain Oliver, Chair of MGUCPC (Maple Grove United Church Pastoral Charge).
The Maple Grove congregation received the balance 40 per cent to disburse.
“Our 40 per cent of the sale was added to our financial accounts which brought it [the balance] to $580,000+,” he added.
The funds with the local congregation went to:
- Lake Ridge Hospital Bowmanville,
- Salvation Army Bowmanville,
- Marigold Hospice Newcastle,
- Community Care Bowmanville,
- Camp Qim-mo-Lac,
- Bethesda House Bowmanville,
- Hearth Place (Cancer) Oshawa, and
- The Gathering, Bowmanville.
“With these donations the Maple Grove United Church Pastoral Charge legacy will be of great pride to the congregation knowing that our outreach will help many people,” Oliver added.
Powerful Expression: Lakeridge Health
As part of the church’s charitable commitments, $145,000 has been designated to the Lakeridge Health Bowmanville Hospital’s redevelopment project.
“This gift is a powerful expression of Maple Grove United Church’s enduring heart for Bowmanville,” said Maria Petri, CEO, Bowmanville Hospital Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to the congregation for choosing to carry forward their legacy by investing in the health of their neighbours. We will steward this gift with great care and pride.”
“We are profoundly grateful to the entire congregation for their trust, generosity, and enduring commitment to care close to home. Their support will be felt by patients and families across Clarington and the Durham Region for generations,” said a Lakeridge Health statement.
Earlier Story
Solemn service bids farewell to 153-year old Clarington church
Donations in Pictures
