Church Closures and the Preservation of Remembrance Day Materials

For decades after the two world wars local churches acted in many ways as a museum or archives entrusted with records of past sacrifices of Canadian soldiers. Be it wall plaques, unit standards (flags), lists of veterans from the church, pictures, order of services, and stained-glass windows, the church was a repository of a vital information, much of it on display every Sunday day of worship.
 
However, the trending towards significant numbers of closures of local churches presents unique problems for the preservation of Remembrance Day materials. Sadly, material has been destroyed, lost, or damaged, often unintentionally. 
 
What follows are recent examples of two local churches that managed to preserve vital artifacts. Hopefully, their actions will inspire churches to make sure that if they close or transition to a different way of doing church they will ensure the safety of artifacts. 

• Chatham Baptist Church, Chatham, Ontario, Canada 

​Chatham Baptist Church closed a few decades ago. Fortunately, however, the church’s leadership had the good sense to submit vital records and artifacts to the Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College. As can been seen by the images below, there were a variety of items submitted.
 
Interestingly, the church had a scrap book of interesting bulletins, pictures, and newspaper clippings (that was unique, and obviously there was a member of the church quite keen on preserving the church’s connections with veterans). 
 
In sum, despite the closure of the church the forward-thinking leaders who submitted such artifacts have ensured important memories are preserved. And subsequent generations will benefit accordingly.

•  Wentworth Baptist Church, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada 

​A different example of preservation is that of Wentworth Baptist Church. Wentworth is an inner-city church that has sold its building to a Christian ministry that provides affordable housing for those who need it. 
 
Fortunately, the church will remain on site and continue to be a witness in an area of pressing need. And fortunately, the church has managed to ensure that the stain-glass windows will survive the demolition, renovation, and building of a large complex of apartments and offices.
 
As you can see by the pictures below, one of the stained-glass windows is dedicated in memory of the past and has a Role of Honor beneath it. Such items are often lost in demolitions – but in this case they are slated for survival.

Memory of history matters. For most of Canadian history the role of churches has been a vital component in preserving the memory of a host of people who sacrificed much for the nation. Hopefully these two examples of preservation will nudge churches facing closures or significant renovations to ensuring that memories will be respected and history will be taught to subsequent generations.