from the ottawa citizen: What's brewing in the pews? Jan. 3. My wife and I were active members of the St. James Anglican Church's Gatineau congregation. With the dwindling numbers, we knew the time would come when this congregation would cease to exist. For more than 10 years, we dedicated hours of volunteer time to ensure that St. James as a building would always be a welcoming community place in Gatineau. As a former people's warden of St. James, I am appalled that this former church building may be sold to a group of individuals who wish to turn it into a brewery pub. This is incredibly sacrilegious since St. James was a major community meeting place in the Outaouais for those battling addictions (including alcohol). In honouring all former members of the St. James congregation, I ask the diocese to say no to this offer of purchase and to any other that involves the major commercialization of this property. A search must continue to ensure a non-profit use such as a community centre or theatre be found for the St. James church building that will dignify the contributions of the pioneers who built this community and worship space.