Assumption Church holds final mass

Windsor's historic Assumption Church is now closed.

The final mass was held Sunday.

Starting next weekend, parishioners will worship in a different location, still in the west end. Mass will shift to the Holy Name of Mary Church, on McEwan Avenue.

At least one parishioner won't be going.

Terrence Kennedy has been attending Assumption all his life. He says his ancestors helped build the church in the 19th Century, and he just would not feel right going anywhere else.

"I will probably be on the lawn next week if the place is closed. But occasionally, I will probably sneak into the chapel and say some prayers there, too," he said.

Rosary Chapel on the Assumption site will remain open.

The larger church is closing because it needs millions of dollars in repairs.

The Catholic Diocese says the 170-year-old building needs at least $10 million worth of repairs.

One major donor has stepped forward, and the church is working with him, but no plans have been finalized.

Bishop Ronald Fabbro says he wanted to be in Windsor to help parishioners through what he calls a difficult transition.
He attended mass on the weekend.

"To give them a message of hope, that this was not a final closure of the church but that we are still hopeful and praying that we can get the funds to restore it," he said.