During March break, some students travelled, some visited friends and family, and others probably enjoyed a peaceful break from the classroom.
But a few dozen students in Architectural Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, and Construction Engineering Technician programs didn't miss the opportunity to get an up-close look at one of the oldest buildings in Windsor.
Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, located at the corner of University Avenue and Huron Church Road was built in 1840 and is the home of the oldest continuous parish in Canada, west of Montreal.
More than 20 students were brought through to see the active restoration program underway at the church, which was undertaken to retain this important part of Windsor's history.
Local contractor Tony Pupatello Jr. of Pupatello and Sons Ltd. led the tour, who along with students reviewed the years of active restoration work being done and discussed the next steps of the monumental task.
"It's not every day you get to explore a building that's over 150 years old, let alone climb up and see the attic structures," said Dr. Jie Zhang, a professor in the School of Engineering Technologies. "It was incredible to see how the theories we teach in class, like how materials behave over time or how loads are distributed, actually play out in a real construction project, especially one with so much history."
Beyond the unique architecture of the structure and discussion of the historical meaning of the interior markings – with a few ghost stories mixed in – the students were granted a very rare opportunity to go above the nave and review the 180-year-old wood framing of the roof, defined by heavy timber trusses interconnected by hand formed joints with wood spikes and fasteners.
Students were also offered the opportunity, with support of St. Clair faculty on site, to understand the unique nature of the construction and the original concepts and approaches to such construction.
"This tour again outlines St. Clair College's close working relationship with our industry partners, such as Pupatello and Sons, and its importance to ensuring the excellence in education we offer each of our students," said Dr. William Tape, also a professor in the School of Engineering Technologies. "The students who took time out of their March Break to attend were offered a very unique opportunity to see and discuss the very real issues facing historical restoration and tie their classroom knowledge to this real-world case."
One of those students was Anmol Singh, who said it was an incredible experience that deepened his appreciation for historical construction techniques.
"One of the most fascinating aspects was exploring the wooden truss system, which has supported the church's roof for over a century. Climbing to the top and getting a close look at the truss system was a great experience for me," Singh said. "The level of craftsmanship that I saw in the straight wooden columns and roof system was truly impressive. Standing on the topmost construction deck and enjoying the beautiful view of the Ambassador Bridge and City of Windsor was electrifying for me."
Singh said there were lessons as to why limestone was used instead of cement in the construction – noting that cement was a relatively new construction material at the time, whereas lime was a common material which was used to help prevent cracks in the building to this day.
Restoration of the historic church is very much a work in progress.
In 2017, the Church celebrated 250 years since its inception and launched a fundraising campaign to ensure a future for the building.
in 2019, restoration work began on a new copper roof and heating system and in the fall of 2019 and winter of 2020, work continued on the life safety improvements and work in the church attic.
The interior restoration work began in the spring of 2020. This work included a full painting of the walls and ceilings, which was completed in late 2023.
Work on the organ and centre ceiling took place in 2024. The east altar restoration work was also completed in 2024.
"I'm very grateful to our professors, Dr. William Tape, Prof. Jie Zhang, and Prof. George Vrantsidis, for guiding us through this experience. This tour reinforced my appreciation for traditional engineering methods and how they continue to stand the test of time."
