Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Bath’s historic Layer Cake Hall was officially re-opened on Wednesday following a much-needed structural and exterior rehabilitation.
Currently the home of the Bath branch of the Lennox and Addington Public Library, the structure located at 197 Davy St. was originally built in 1859. In its 163 years it has served many purposes including a Masonic Lodge, Presbyterian and St. John’s Anglican congregation, a senior’s centre and a museum. Loyalist Township assumed ownership of the building in 2019 and shortly after an assessment was done on the building. The results of that assessment showed extensive work was needed to correct structural deficiencies within the building, a project that came with a budget of $545,000.
Of that budget, $310,750 was funded though government programs-Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program ($173,608), The Government of Canada’s Canada Community Revitalization Fund ($93,750) with the Government of Ontario contributing $43,402.
“Infrastructure projects such as the renovation of Layer Cake Hall provide local, public gathering spaces that play a critical role in extended the social fabric of our communities,” said Amarjot Sandhu, Parliamentary Assistant to the Ontario Minister of Infrastructure, who was on hand for the official ribbon cutting to celebrate the re-opening of the building. “These facilities are essential for promoting physical and mental health. They allow neighbours to come together and connect. We recognize the significant contribution libraries provide in fostering meaningful and inclusive activities for people of all ages.”
Loyalist mayor Jim Hegadorn. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
The restoration was deemed necessary as the building had begun to show signs of its age, threatening its long-term viability.
“These repairs have renewed the building’s exterior structure to ensure the library remains a safe place for residents and families to learn and participate in programing including science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM, crafts and music,” said Sandhu.
The project was only made possible through assistance from government funding.
“Grant funding received from the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario have been critical to ensure this historic property could be rehabilitated,” noted Jim Hegadorn, mayor of Loyalist Township.
Following its re-opening, Loyalist Township plans to offer expanded programming opportunities including art programming.
“We’re looking forward to reopening the Bath branch library and continuing to offer valuable library services, resources and programs to the community in this historic landmark building,” said Amy Kay, temporary manager for County of Lennox and Addington Library Services.
As for the Layer Cake Hall’s unique name, it was explained in the Oct. 31, 1973 edition of the Napanee Beaver.
“Layer Cake Hall is so called because it once housed two different religious denominations at different levels.”
In 1890 the St. John’s Anglican Church occupied the upper storey of the building while a Presbyterian church occupied the ground floor.