The former Eden Mills United Church has a new lease on life … as home to the Eden Mills Writers’ Festival administrative offices.
Rivermead officially opened its doors as part of the Eden Mills Writers Festival.
At this year’s festival, following opening remarks downtown, guests were invited on a journey down Cedar Street to Rivermead.
Eden Mills town crier Kit Breshnahan welcomed those gathered for the historic event.
He said the church was first constructed as the Wesleyan Church in 1861 and has served Eden Mills and the surrounding area for well over 150 years.
“When the decision was made to sell this historic building, the village was saddened to think that it might not be a public meeting place.”
This is when the Eden Mills Writers Festival with the generous support of Kim Lang and the Angel Gabriel Foundation stepped in and purchased the building as a place for public readings, art displays, weddings and an office for the Eden Mills Writers Festival, Breshnahan said.
“We celebrate and give thanks to Kim Lang and for her vision and her generous support and her partner Stu who also contributed to this as well.”
“Nestled here beside the banks of the Eramosa River, Kim has renamed this historic building Rivermead and it will now continue to be a place for all to enjoy including readings for the festival.”
Guelph-Eramosa Mayor Chris White noted the local heritage committee is trying to find different buildings throughout the township to recognize with heritage plaques.
White understands that in some areas people have found heritage designations as difficult, but said this plaque does not lock the owner into anything.
He was impressed with the new use “… this is incredible, what an addition to the festival.”
On behalf of the township and the heritage committee he offered congratulations.
He did however joke about the height at which the sign was installed as he climbed the railing to unveil the sign. “… you guys know how tall I am.”
