Pointe-Saint-Charles church in desperate need of donations to repair tower

Parishioners of a Catholic church in Pointe-Saint-Charles are appealing to the public for donations after major structural issues were discovered in its eastern tower.

Saint Gabriel's Parish, first built in 1890, was an important gathering place for Montreal's Irish community.

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After a major fire destroyed much of the inside of the church in 1956, the community rallied together to have it rebuilt.

"We think, although we're not sure, we think that probably because of the fire, our tower, what's called the east tower, was compromised," said Michael Meagher, a warden at the church.

"So now, because of weather, and time and water, the tower is starting to crumble and fall."

After receiving a number of estimates, the church believes repairs could cost between $300,000 and $400,000.

"We just don't have the money," said Sister Diane Lieffers, the church's pastoral assistant for the past 41 years.

"Our parishioners are giving as much as they can."

The church has started a crowdfunding campaign as well as a bottle drive in the hopes of raising some money.

To make matters worse, part of the facade of the rectory attached to the church has detached.

Scaffolding and plastic covers have been installed as a temporary fix. Add to that the issues with the tower, and Meagher says the church needs help.

"We have to repair that, if we don't repair it and the tower begins to fall, we face the risk of being closed down."