Assumption Church makes top 10 endangered places list

Historic Our Lady of Assumption Church in west Windsor is one of Canada's top-10 endangered places, according to the Heritage Canada The National Trust.

The current church, originally built in 1842 and now closed, made the organization's 12th Annual Top Ten Endangered Places and Worst Losses List.

The parish was originally founded as a mission in 1728 and is the oldest parish west of Montreal. The current Assumption Church is also Canada's oldest church west of Montreal.

The top ten endangered places List is released annually to bring national attention to sites at risk due to neglect, lack of funding, inappropriate development and weak legislation.

Assumption Church is now in need of approximately $15 million worth of repairs.

The church closed Nov. 3, 2014. The parish relocated to Holy Name of Mary Church on nearby McEwan Avenue.

The current Assumption Church, the fourth on the site, was built in 1842 with additions completed in 1925.

The Diocese of London says it will preserve the 1845 structure "in its present condition to the extent possible."

The church tried two fundraising attempts but could not raise enough money.

According to its website, Heritage Canada The National Trust is a national charity that "inspires and leads action to save historic places, and promotes the care and wise use of our historic environment."