The Bethany Care Foundation is fundraising to improve and preserve the All Saints Anglican Chapel, located onsite at the local care centre.
The historic chapel nestled alongside Bethany Cochrane has been a fixture in the community since 1892. Now, the heritage building is in need of a new roof, a sprinkler system, and bits and pieces of other maintenance.
“Since the building moved to Bethany, nothing major has been done in terms of upkeep,” said Joanne Toller, senior development officer for the foundation. “We moved it, built the connector to the care centre — but that’s about it.”
The quaint chapel, which seats about 45, has changed locations three times in its lifespan, moving from its original setting in the community of Mitford, to downtown Cochrane, to the care centre in 2004.
“The chapel is a wonderful, quiet sanctuary,” said Jennifer Simon, site administrator for Bethany Cochrane. “It takes away from the noise of the centre.”
The chapel is used daily — formally and informally — by residents, staff, families and community members, she added.
She said the first priority would be installing a new fire safety system.
Toller said the plan is to maintain and preserve the building while respecting the heritage and history of the structure. The Bethany Care Foundation has created a separate fund for the preservation of the Anglican chapel.
For more details or to make a donation, contact Toller at 403-210-4611.
