It is a year since the fire at St. James’ Church. Although the fire was devastating, we quickly realized that we had been given an extraordinary opportunity to reimagine not just the building we had lost, but to reimagine our future and our place in this community.

Reaching out to the people of Hudson and surrounding areas, we have now interviewed more than 200 people about what they would like to see in our reimagined church and grounds. The results have been spectacular and filled us with hope for the future. The enthusiastic participation we recieved was heart-warming; the views were fascinating; truly inspiring!

Here is a summary of what we heard.

“It's just stunning. Like, it's just a beautiful ….. calming place to be

“To me the property is the perfect location in Hudson for the biggest need and that is a senior residence…we love Hudson and want to stay in Hudson as long as we can…

“I think my time in church is where I can be still with my thoughts and remember … the spiritual aspect of just being quiet.”

“I don’t know whether young people in the community are really served that well…as far as being heard, being listened to”

"...let’s not rebuild just like any old church. If we’re going to rebuild let’s be truly great and inspiring and inclusive and have space for the community that’s beautifully designed...a destination"

"...the church should not lose its sense of history. The look and feel should remain as it was even if in a smaller space."

It would be great of St James could be open for people to come and sit and meditate and feel a sense of peace. And offer more music.”

“When you're in a group where people are being quite open and honest, not guarded or judgmental, then you can be authentic too. Definitely that nurtures a sense of belonging and inclusion in a group."

“It's just stunning. Like, it's just a beautiful ….. calming place to be “To me the property is the perfect location in Hudson for the biggest need and that is a senior residence…we love Hudson and want to stay in Hudson as long as we can… “I think my time in church is where I can be still with my thoughts and remember … the spiritual aspect of just being quiet.” “I don’t know whether young people in the community are really served that well…as far as being heard, being listened to” "...let’s not rebuild just like any old church. If we’re going to rebuild let’s be truly great and inspiring and inclusive and have space for the community that’s beautifully designed...a destination" "...the church should not lose its sense of history. The look and feel should remain as it was even if in a smaller space." It would be great of St James could be open for people to come and sit and meditate and feel a sense of peace. And offer more music.” “When you're in a group where people are being quite open and honest, not guarded or judgmental, then you can be authentic too. Definitely that nurtures a sense of belonging and inclusion in a group."

Reimagining our Church

and our place in the community

  • Fostering a sense of belonging and connection is our highest priority and guiding principle. Our church and grounds can become instrumental in creating opportunities for people to connect, share their lives, and build relationships through activities and small groups. Here is what we heard from our interviews:

    Deep Connections to Hudson

    • Many described Hudson as “home” and mentioned many decades of Family History and Community.

    • Respondents value the intimate feel of the community, from casual encounters to scheduled gatherings.

    • Participants frequently mention Hudson’s Natural Beauty and the importance of outdoor spaces in enhancing quality of Life

    Role & Value of the Church

    St. James’ & St. Mary’s are seen as Historic cornerstones that have provided continuity, cultural heritage & community gatherings over many years.

    • Many recalled personal milestones (Weddings, Baptisms, Confirmations, & even informal Bible Studies and Choir activities) that were integral to their lives.

    • There is concern about the declining attendance at weekly services & a growing need for enhanced outreach to modern demographics.

    Ideas for Community Revitalization

    • Creating a Church Campus into an inclusive Hub for Community gatherings / activities

    • Modernization of Facilities - Kitchen, Storage, Flexible spaces

    • Better use of Outdoor Grounds

    • Intentional Programming of Community Events, Small Group Initiatives, Intergenerational Connections

    Addressing Loneliness / Fostering Belonging

    The dataset repeatedly highlights concerns about social isolation in modern society.

    • Respondents believe that engaging in shared activities (sports, arts service clubs, etc.) can help to counteract loneliness.

    • Respondents talked about experiences in small groups (Bible study, rowing clubs, Mom/Tots) that created lasting friendships.

    • There is a consensus that “deliberate programming” such as ice breakers, team-based projects strengthens Community bonds

    Future Vision

    We envision Inclusive & Contemporary Spaces merging Historical “feel” with vibrant, multi-purpose spaces that attract young Families, Seniors, Youth and Newcomers from diverse backgrounds

    • We should make use of Technology & Communication vehicles to keep people connected & involved.

    • We need Sustainable & Adaptive Use of the Church’s assets to generate revenue while still serving Community & Spiritual needs

    • We need to ensure that we are creating a Community “Blanket” composed of people who are an integral part of the fabric.

  • A common thread expressed in the interviews was a desire for St.James/St. Mary’s to become 'a place for Community Excellence’ -  a space which exemplifies what it means to build community and foster belonging. For young people this means creating opportunities for their engagement in meaningful ways. Here are some ideas on how to make it happen:

    Skills Development: Provide opportunities to develop skills of all kinds; life skills such as cooking and personal development to foster a sense of confidence and independence; creative skills by holding art/theatre workshops or music jam sessions.

    Social Interaction and connection: Have a safe space where youth can gather and socialize such as lounge-type space where food/snacks/beverages/tea/coffee are available; space for sports activities, family picnics, summer camps, and music-related events 

    Community Service: Invite youth to participate in collaborative joint projects or events that help serve the community needs like intergenerational activities, outreach programs, and volunteerism.

    Building Partnership: Consider building partnerships with local schools or organizations to create a network to bridge youth with engaging in such initiatives.

    What we need to consider:

    Actively involve youth in the process and decision-making whenever possible to tailor activities and projects to their needs and interests

    Keep youth informed by using social media to communicate what is going on and available to them at the church

    Create feedback mechanisms to ensure responsiveness of evolving needs

    Offer activities on a regular and consistent basis to provide continuity for engagement 

    Activities should be varied and inclusive to cater to youth of diverse ages and backgrounds; keep in mind affordability to ensure accessibility for all.

  • Beyond Sunday Services: There's an interest in providing spiritual nourishment to the community beyond regular Sunday morning services.

    Use of Space for Spiritual Growth: Creating multi-purpose spaces that invite contemplation, developing retreat or spiritual centers in the rectory, and including a spiritual library and meditation room are suggested.

    Enhancing the Aesthetic: Emphasizing light and nature in the building design can contribute to a sense of spiritual love.

    Diverse Spiritual Experiences: Bringing in leaders and teachers from diverse spiritual backgrounds and utilizing the expertise within the community for themed discussions can broaden the scope of spiritual nourishment.

    Focus on Connection and Belonging: Providing a place of caring and belonging is seen as a way to connect with spirit.

    Small Gestures: Encouraging simple acts of kindness and support can touch people's lives in meaningful ways and is part of the church's spiritual role.

    Collaboration with Other Faiths: Building bridges and collaborating with other faith organizations can create shared spiritual experiences.

    Explore the Link Between Music and Spirit: Many comments emphasized the importance of music to spiritual development and hoped that the new space could welcome musical performances and explore ways for the community to participate in the creation of sacred music

  • We have set out to restore our church and build a new hall to replace the one we have lost. The thoughts and ideas that have been shared with us will help us guide us in all aspects of that plan.

    The end result must be: 'Modernization of our buildings for today and future generations with due consideration to improved functionality to accommodate broader community use whilst respecting the environment, our history and architectural heritage.

    Important aspects:

    Multi-purpose Use: The rebuilt buildings, including St. James and St. Mary's halls, are envisioned as multi-purpose spaces to accommodate a wide range of community activities.

    Flexibility and Design: Flexibility in the space is important to respond to different needs. Design considerations include storage, accessibility, acoustics (especially for music), lighting, color, washrooms, and seating.

    Technologically Advanced and Environmentally Conscious: Technology adapted (Wi-Fi, broadcasting, screens, projection equipment). HVAC system (green, easy to operate, cost effective) supported by emergency power supply(generator). Improved energy efficiency (windows, ceilings,walls, doors).

    Potential New Uses: Suggestions for the buildings include a cafe, intimate chamber concert venue, meditation room and library

    Music Venue Potential: The acoustics in the church are considered fantastic, suggesting potential as a music venue.

  • St. James’ is blessed with one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in Hudson. Our community would love to enjoy it more fully. With their help we can create an outdoor space that is welcoming, accessible to all and even more beautiful. Some ideas for doing that were:

    Create Gardens and Green Spaces for community use

    • Sacred Reflection Garden: A tranquil space for meditation, prayer, and connection with nature.

    • A "Giving Garden" where produce is donated to local food banks or shelters

    • Native landscaping to increase wildlife habitat with signage to educate and inform

    • Pollinator-garden with signage to educate and inform

    • Flower beds that community members could volunteer to care for

    Create Community Gathering Places

    • ·Picnic tables and benches to enjoy the view and spend time in nature

    • Covered Pavilion for yoga, Tai Chi classes, concerts, wedding ceremonies

    • Natural seating area possibly including a native plant garden

    Add amenities to enhance outdoor events

    • Community events - strawberry socials, bazaars, and fundraising activities

    • Farmers' markets, craft fairs, flea market

    • Outdoor concerts, theatrical performances, movie nights

    • Sunrise services or other outdoor religious gatherings

    Developing Recreational Areas especially for children and youth

    • Sports areas like basketball courts or soccer nets

    • Lawn games such as lawn bowling or badminton

    • A fire pit as a community gathering point

    Enhancing Access to Nature and Views

    • Clear overgrown shrubbery to improve the view of the lake

    • Build a staircase to access the lake if feasible

    • Make the grounds a starting or ending point for hiking trails

    Add signage to welcome visitors, explain where they can go and not go; also to educate