Our Lady of
Mercy Church
With its graceful spire and 37 stained glass windows, Our Lady of Mercy Church is one of Sarnia’s most historic landmarks. RTM was honoured to undertake a multi-year heritage restoration project to preserve the architectural brilliance and local materials of this 19th-century church.
Project Scope
The restoration of Our Lady of Mercy Church was a massive, multi-phase undertaking. A central focus was the meticulous conservation of the church's yellow brick masonry. These unique bricks were produced in local brickyards dating back to the 1860s, requiring a highly sensitive approach to repointing and stone stabilization.
In addition to the masonry, the project encompassed full-scale interventions across the building's exterior envelope, including carpentry restoration for the wood windows and precision sheet metal work.
Notable Details
A crowning achievement of this assignment was the restoration of the church’s iconic steeple and graceful spire. Our coppersmiths fabricated and installed custom lead-coated copper (LCC) cladding, ensuring long-term weather resistance while maintaining the historic aesthetic of the skyline.
Simultaneously, our carpentry division executed a detailed restoration program for the wood window frames. This work was critical in supporting the protection of the church’s 37 historic stained glass windows, ensuring they remain structurally secure within their heritage openings.
Final Result
The seven-year phased restoration successfully safeguarded the structural and historical integrity of one of Sarnia's most cherished landmarks.
By delivering high-performance LCC cladding and expertly restored local masonry, RTM ensured that the architectural brilliance and 1860s craftsmanship of Our Lady of Mercy Church will remain a vibrant and secure centerpiece of the community for generations to come.
