Parishioners of a south-side church are holding a fundraiser to restore one of the city's oldest buildings to its former glory.
The 104-year-old Knox Evangelical Free Church needs its share of repairs, as parts of the building have seen better days.
Following an engineer's report a few years ago, staff at the church say approximately $600,000 is needed to fix crumbling bricks, water damage, and make the church more wheelchair accessible.
The church was also vandalized less than a year ago – vandals broke in, smashed a piano and overturned shelves full of books. The crime may have shocked members of the church, but it didn't hold back efforts to strengthen the aging building's foundation.
"It probably took the wind out of our sails for a little bit," parishioner and fundraising committee member Jon McCallum said in an interview with CTV News. "The long-term effect wasn't significant."
As part of fundraising efforts for the church, members are holding a concert Sunday night. Musical artists Zaac Pick and Chanda Cooper will perform at the Knox Evangelical Free Church (8403 107 Street) starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door, and all proceeds will go towards restoration work on the church.
With files from Jessica Earle
