St. Anne’s Chapel-of-Ease, a small historic chapel in downtown Fredericton, is undergoing repairs after an influx of federal funding helped move the project forward. The chapel, built in 1846-47 and designed by English architect Frank Wills, has been closed for about a year and a half after mould took over the space.
Rev. Chris Hayes, rector of the Anglican Parish of Fredericton, said the mould damage was severe, with many fabric items beyond saving. He said most wooden surfaces were affected, and black mould was even dripping down the basement walls due to condensation. Early steps included industrial-sized air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the building out.
The longer-term plan is to connect the 19th-century chapel to the same HVAC system serving the larger, well-air conditioned church it’s attached to. Hayes also said the chapel will need masonry work. An engineer has started assessing the structure, and the parish expects most of the work will take place this winter.
For mason contractors and restoration teams, it’s a familiar reminder that masonry repairs in older buildings rarely stand alone. Moisture, condensation, and ventilation problems can show up as interior damage first, so drying the space and locking in better humidity control can be a key part of protecting any repaired masonry from repeating cycles of damp conditions.
The chapel was declared a national historic site in 1989 because it’s considered a significant example of Gothic Revival religious architecture. Hayes said the goal is to bring the space back into regular use for church activities and community events like concerts, poetry readings, and theater.
Hayes said the federal government contributed around $250,000 that must be matched by the church. With additional work outside the funding scope, he expects total repairs to land around $500,000.
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