April 9th, 2025

Church with roots in a log building going green

First Mennonite Church’s original 1832 log building in Kitchener was likely lit with candles and oil lamps. Energy-wise, that’s a long time away from the solar panels that help power the building today.

The log structure was replaced in 1834, and that building was replaced again in 1902. The 1902 building remains at the centre section of the present day church.

With a history that long, you could say the facility is due for a major renovation project, which is exactly what the congregation is planning.

With a bit of help from MC Canada’s Emissions Reduction Grant, they will replace ceiling insulation, and upgrade insulation in the worship area.

But those greening initiatives are just a start. Future plans include swapping out gas-fired heating for air-to-air heat pumps, upgrades to lighting and an existing solar array, and refitting washrooms.

It’s all part of a long-range plan to bring their energy consumption to net-zero – the point at which carbon emissions are cancelled out or offset by green energy consumption.

All of those improvements will come at a significant cost – a cost that will be shared with a new partner.

Shalom Worship and Healing Centre, a Tigrinya-speaking congregation, has had a relationship with First MC since 2010. Shalom has recently purchased half the market value of the building, the proceeds of which will help fund renovations. The benefits of the upgrades will be shared with First MC, Shalom, and a Spanish-speaking congregation that has a relationship with First MC dating back to the 1980s.

While the motivation for the upgrades was inspired by the partnership with Shalom, cleaning up their energy use also played a part, said Jay Reesor, who is on the congregation’s building team.

Although they already have solar panels in place, Reesor said, “If we could get rid of that natural gas boiler, we would reduce our green house gas emission significantly.” He added that improving insulation in the building will make the future heat pumps more practical and efficient.

Reesor said his passion for harmonious living with nature has been with him from a young age.

“Ever since I was a kid, I always wanted the best mileage on my cars, and not wanting to waste. In the last five years I’ve really learned how dirty fossil fuels are. I recognize that we need fossil fuels for diesel tractors for farming, for example, but I want to minimize the use of it.”

Reesor, who is also co-chair of the Creation Care Working Group of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, has made some personal commitments to reduced carbon emissions. He’s installed solar panels and a heat pump in his home and drives an electric car.

Reesor’s personal passion for reducing his carbon footprint extends to the partnership that’s been shaped with among the groups that worship at First MC.

“It’s exciting to think about what collaboration can do,” said Reesor. “Good things can come from working together.”

Images:

• First Mennonite Church’s original 1832 log building. – photo from GAMEO
• A Google Street View image shows the building as it looks today.