Paul Mullins has won the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario’s A.K. Sculthorpe Award for Advocacy “for his tireless advocacy for the restoration of Our Lady of Assumption Church in Windsor.”
The award “recognizes an individual, an informal group or a non-profit organization that has diligently promoted a greater understanding of heritage significance, issues and controversies, and/or has been able to change attitudes, policies and practices, or alter relationships during a heritage crisis.”
Others nominated for the award included Aeolian Hall in London, William Greaves for his work with Ontario Place in Toronto, Phil Goldsmith, Julie Mavis and Denis Hogarth for their work with Port Hope’s Opera House, and the Ontario Historical Society for their ongoing support of stewardship of heritage landmarks.
Accepting the award, Paul Mullins said:
What a wonderful and unexpected honour. Congratulations to all of the nominees who have all earned this award every bit as much as I may have. We are grateful to Bishop Ronald Fabbro C.S.B. who has supported this project and kicked off the restoration by donating $1,000,000 from the Diocese of London. We have been especially fortunate to have the unwavering and enthusiastic support of Father Maurice Restivo C.S.B. and the parishioners of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish. This project has also captured the imagination and support of the entire community. The expertise of our architects, Allan Avis, and the skill of our general contractor, Pupatello Construction, have enabled us to stabilize this historic Church. We have now begun the plaster consolidation process and the paint restoration. We are determined to complete the entire restoration of Our Lady of the Assumption Church by our tricentennial in 2028 in order to honour and celebrate our Indigenous and French heritage with a Church that has been returned to its full glory. Thank you for this A.K. Sculthorpe Award! Since Assumption Parish serves the most disadvantaged area of Windsor this restoration is only possible by donations from the broader community. Thank you for bringing it to the attention of heritage lovers throughout Ontario.
You can read more about the award and watch a video about why Paul was chosen at this link:
https://acoheritageawards.ca/a-k-sculthorpe-award-for-advocacy/