The spire of the Central Presbyterian Church can be seen from just about anywhere in the downtown core.
Sitting next to the Main Street bridge, it's a staple of the city's skyline.
Opened in 1882, the church has undergone significant renovations over the past few years. Damage from a leak in 2017, along with window and stonework restorations have come at a significant price.
The biggest cost, though, has been the roof replacement.
The total for the renovations came in at $2.5 million, with a pair of stain glass window projects alone costing $100,000 apiece. A lot of the work was needed to maintain the structural integrity of the building.
To help pay for it, the church is hosting ABBA Story in Concert on May 11 at 7 p.m., with the band performing many of the group's biggest hits.
"My wife and I saw them do a fundraiser in Woodstock," Horst Wohlgemut, member of the church and frequent tour guide, said.
"It’s an outstanding concert and we're very proud of our acoustics in the church. It's going to sound great."
Paying off the loan continues to be a process despite having reserves available up front when the project began.
Unable to secure a traditional loan for the amount as a not-for-profit, it took one out from the Presbyterian Church of Canada at an interest rate of 2.45 per cent.
With the rate not being locked in, it's since risen to just over seven per cent.
"We've had to do some backpedalling and make some concessions," Wohlgemut said.
"We're basically paying just the interest and the principle will be paid down the road."
The church has generated external funding through Veterans Affairs to assist with replacing two windows dedicated to World War I and World War II veterans. The City of Cambridge has also granted loans.
With the building designated as a heritage site, a grant has come from the Waterloo Heritage Foundation and the community has stepped up to support, Wohlgemut said.
Any additional funding the church comes across has gone towards paying down the principle.
"There’s lots of community events in the church," Wohlgemut said.
"The building has been used by the movie industry for Murdoch Mysteries and The Handmaids Tale. We're very blessed community members have stepped up and helped out recognizing it's a heritage jewel."
Tickets for the show are $25 for adults and $15 for 14 to 18 year olds. Kids 13 and under are free.
To purchase tickets see Peter Goudy at the church on Sunday, stop by the office on Tuesday or Thursday mornings or visit eventbrite.ca.
