St. Alban's needs help to recover from flood
By Bill Rea

Fr. Suren Nathan looks over what's left of furniture and other contents that have been removed from the flooded basement at St. Alban's Anglican Church in Nobleton.

A malfunctioning sump pump has caused a lot of problems for St. Alban's Anglican Church in Nobleton, and the church is appealing for help from the community.

Fr. Suren Nathan said the pump failure was discovered Jan. 12, and that resulted in the finished basement in the church being flooded with a little more than a foot of water. The result has been considerable damage, including to the furnace. As well, kitchen cabinets were destroyed, and the basement carpet is shot. "Most of our good furniture has been destroyed," he added, pointing out the walls have been seriously damaged too.

"There's significant damage," Nathan said. "Basically, the basement has to be replaced."

Although there was insurance, he pointed out the policy carries a high deductible for flood damage, and he's not sure at this point if the church has the resources to recover.

"If we can't cover it, then we'll have to close the doors of St. Alban's," he remarked, pointing out the church has been part of the Nobleton community since 1889.

Nathan said they are appealing for help from the community, "if the church is to get through this disaster."

Donations can be sent to St. Alban's Anglican Church, PO Box 368, 13162 Hwy. 27, Nobleton, Ontario L0G 1T0.