Pandemic’s impact on a local church
This is the Nashwaak Baptist Church, located in Nashwaak Village, New Brunswick. The church was built in 1875 and has seen very few acts of renovation throughout the years. Its simple, yet charming design brings us back to simpler times. Its picturesque background of streams and hills will capture the attention of those passing by, as it seems almost as if this place has frozen in time, changing ever so slightly since its conception. Like other churches in the area, it has remained open throughout the course of the ongoing pandemic. Social distancing and mask mandates are currently in place at all times to protect their parishioners. With the small stature of this parish, it may seem bare having members stay six feet apart, with such limited space, but one member says it only adds to its charm.
“To be honest, with the recent events and the smaller gatherings here, I find that it adds more to the charm of our quaint little kind of community.” Says Steven Yeo, a local resident, and member of the church.
Like most provinces, New Brunswick is facing a second wave of Covid-19, causing uncertainty as to whether or not the church will close.
“With the second wave, I wouldn’t blame them for shutting down, but it is a nice getaway now and I hope to keep com
ing in the future.” Says Yeo.
As of November 21, New Brunswick had a record-breaking 23 new cases, which is the most since the pandemic was first declared back in March. The pandemic has now claimed seven lives in the province. With news like this, it’s easy to see why the church would consider shutting down, to protect its aging population. However, if there’s one thing we’ve learned throughout this pandemic, it is our ability to experience once considered day to day events from the comfort of our own homes using technology. By encouraging individuals to stay at home as much as possible, not only has our schooling gone online, so has mass for some parishioners. Churches such as Saint. Anthony’s, and Saint. Theresa’s now offer mass through live stream, to cater to those who chose to stay at home.
In times like these where everything seems bleak, it’s important to find your escape, and it’s evident that this parish provides a much-needed escape for its members, from our world’s chaotic state. The closure of the Nashwaak Baptist Church would be a tough blow to the community, but if it helps to contain the virus and get New Brunswick back on track, its members are on board.