Shrewsbury Church, now it's gone.

The last known picture of the Shrewsbury Church taken with a Graflex Speed Graphic on photo paper.

Nestled in the Lower Laurentians in the County of Gore was this little white church that was the last standing building of the long gone village of Shrewsbury. Built around 1856 by hand it was still intact when I visited the place back in 1990 with it's furniture, organ and the original bell. I remember that visit very well since it was in the Spring and we were attacked by countless bugs. When your car gets banged repeatedly by kamikaze bees and mosquitoes, it kind of stays burned in your mind.

Interior of the church taken with the same process.

Fast forward a few weeks ago when a photog friend posted pictures of the little white church on his wall. I couldn't believe the state it was in. Vandals had trashed the place over the years and despite the concern and implication of local residents for its preservation, the church was just a shell of its former self.

Inside the chucrch where the alter used to be. Shot with Fuji X10.

My new found passion for photography and my concern as an ex-resident of Gore called for documenting what remained. So off we went last Sunday after packing the car with photo gear. After fighting the crazy micro weather of Gore we ended up in front of the church. I pulled out the Graflex and shot it with photo paper and the rest was done with Sony a230 and Fuji X10. Thankfully the weather cleared and I was able to take some decent shots. I was planning to come back in the Spring for a more green setting.

Bell tower where the original and replacement bell were stolen.

That won't be happening. It turns out that a few hours after I left, some morons burnt the church to the ground. I hope these idiots find out soon that Karma is a bitch.

Detail inside the bell tower shows hand cut beams probably made from local timber. Those weren't made in a sawmill but with axes and elbow grease.

Thanks for watching.

Gerry