Kwadacha Community Church
General Delivery
Fort Ware, B.C. V0J 3B0
Phone: daytime (250) 471-2002
Fax: (250) 471-2080

In December 1979, the log church in Fort Ware burned to the ground. After fifteen years of holding church services in a converted house, the people of the remote village of Fort Ware, B.C. have come together to build a new log church.

This church will be a testament to the craftsmanship, cooperation, and resilience of this remote community. The building will serve the varied spiritual and religious needs of the 300 people in Fort Ware.

Following the missionary efforts of the Mary Immaculate sisters and the years of residential schooling at Lejac Indian Residential School, the people of Fort Ware became Roman Catholic. Over the years, various people have joined different Christian groups, as well as formed their own private Christian beliefs. This church will be a place for everyone, regardless of sect or creed, to seek spiritual guidance, relief and peace.

The church structure will be approximately 2500 square feet. The nave will be approximately 30’ x 60’, with the remaining square footage containing the furnace room, washrooms, and sleeping quarters for priests or people visiting from other diocese.

Since first being discussed in April 1999, this project has leapt ahead, despite the complete lack of external funding, which shows the strength of community enthusiasm for this project. By the end of 2002 enough funds were raised to put in the foundation. The logs have been peeled and decked, ready for construction in the Spring 2003.

The original church bell from the old church was cracked, a bell was donated from a church in Ocean Fall, B.C.. This bell was hauled by truck to Prince George by Father Brian Ballard and then transported over 430 kilometers on radio controlled logging roads to Fort Ware. This was all made possible by the late Father Brian, who is deeply missed, a great loss to our community. Another thank you to Sister Elaine, who works alongside us and keeps us focused on our project.

This is a community project and funding is not available from Kwadacha Chief and Council nor the Band budget, so our community court system makes fines payable to the church. Fundraising is ongoing, any type of donations gratefully accepted, tax receipts are available upon request. If you would like any further information, contact Faye Seymour at the above numbers and address.

Mussi Cho (Many thanks)

The "Temporary" Church

 
The Front of the New Church

The Floorplan of the New Church

The Old Church
( which burned down in 1979)

Antoine Charlie peeling logs
When the church is complete it will be thanks in no small part to the countless volunteer hours put in by Antoine. He has since passed on, and he will be greatly missed by the community. His dedication, hard work, and love will never be forgotten, and the church will help to remind us of him.