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Description : Bats in the tower, a bottle of wine tucked in behind the dated cornerstone, mould and dry rot in the rafters... that's what the Priestly Demolition crews found, as they demolished the old St. John's Presbyterian Church on John St. West in Bradford last weekend. The church came down more quickly than expected. When crews removed the windows in the east wall, it bowed outwards, creating safety concerns. And when part of the roof was removed, to lessen the possibility of unexpected collapse, a portion of the brickwork on the east wall fell. Structural safety was one of the key concerns that led the Presbyterian Church to sell the 112 year old building. Bulging walls, rotting rafters - estimates suggested that over $500,000 in repairs were needed, simply to preserve the structure. The cost did not include expansion, or the provision of handicapped access or washrooms. The Presbyterian Church instead has built a new St. John's Presbyterian, on Middletown Sideroad - a "House of God" that is completely handicapped accessible, large enough to accommodate the congregation, with a gymnasium and room for community outreach, filled with light and air, and free of hazardous mould. It is a vibrant expression of the Presbyterian Church in Bradford West Gwillimbury. The John St. property was sold to the neighbouring Trinity Anglican Church. Although the land will be used as a parking lot in the short term, the Anglican Church is fundraising to someday raise a new "House of God" on the site.

"Sunday, June 10th marked the Centenary of Trinity Church, Bradford. Two services were held with congregations far exceeding the seating capacity of the church. The rector, Rev. H.G. Blake, conducted the services." ...

"OTTAWA, Aug 5-The Honourable Jean-Paul Deschatelets, Minister of Public works, today announced the award of a $101,600 contract to the Gorsline Construction Limited of Weston, Ont., for the construction of a Federal Building at Bradford, Ont.
The firm was the successful bidder of four in response to advertising for public tenders which closed on June 10, 1964. The highest bid was $106, 396. The work is scheduled for completion in 10 months.
The one storey building, measuring 72 feet by 62 feet, will be located on the northwest corner of John and Barrie Streets. It will be of concrete and steel construction with an exterior finished in brick and the base covered with Canadian granite. The main entrance canopy will be of reinforced concrete and steel construction.
The interior partition will be of masonry construction and the finished will include plaster, terrazzo, ceramic tile, acoustic tile ceilings and linoleum floor covering.
The windows will be sealed, double glazed units, installed in aluminum frames. Lighting will be fluorescent and heating will be from a gas fired hot water system.
The parking area at the rear and side will be asphalt covered, while the north, west and south boundary lines will be closed in with a chain link fence.
Accommodation will be provided for the Post Office Department and the Department of Agriculture.
Plans and specifications were prepared in the Toronto District Architect's Office of the Department of Public Works. I.M. Saunders, District Architect of Toronto, Ont., will be responsible for supervision of the work."

Advertisement for William Lawrie's London Equitable Insurance Co. on John Street