Eastport church finds new life with new infrared heating system

When this church was built more than 130 years ago, infrared rays weren't a thing. On the Eastport Peninsula, neither was electricity. Following decades of oil heat, Holy Cross has converted. There was a breakdown of the oil burning furnace, and that really forced a conversation on where do we go from here. And so that was a difficult Moment for the congregation, but also a blessing in disguise, because it really did force us to look at alternatives. We hired a heating consultant, and he came in and did a thorough inspection of the church and so on. And his report recommended infrared heat, and that was new to us. The heat beams down from these six units called halos. There are also 12 smaller units called Manhattans for the chancel and transepts. We only have to turn it on about a half hour before the church service. There's no water in this building, so we can turn it off, all the heat immediately after. And so we just burn electricity for all intents and purposes for the hour, hour and a half of church. Monica Bull grew up coming to the church. The church hall provided a place to worship and gather. But it just doesn't compare to the feeling that you get when you come into this building. Over the past decade or so, winter service had to be moved to the church hall. This installation means the church can stay open year round. This church feels like the heartbeat of this community, and I think it contributes to the sense of belonging here in this community. And it's served so many purposes over the years. Where we are today is certainly not where we were 100 years ago in terms of size of congregation, size of parish, people who contribute to parish funds. And so we need to remind ourselves that we are called to be good stewards, financial stewards and stewards of the property. While the new heating system will allow the congregation to use the church comfortably year-round, the financial piece will not only benefit the monthly utility bill, But help prolong the use of this church well into the future. Troy Turner, CBC News, Eastport.