The vote on a proposed annex adjacent to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist has been deferred until a later date.

The Anglican Bishop of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador has written members of St. John’s City Council seeking their understanding and support for the new annex.

Plans have drawn some controversy from the community.

The Anglican Church, like many other denominations, is struggling with the maintenance of historic assets while congregations dwindle. The Anglican Diocese is finding ways to move forward with its community outreach, and is hoping the new annex will help them address some of the real issues being faced in the community.

Some feel the modern aspect of the building doesn’t fit with the surrounding architecture, while others are concerned that the annex will be built on some of the oldest consecrated ground in the province and what some say could be thousands of unmarked graves.

The City of St. John’s says the deferral came at the request of the Anglican Church so they could meet with staff and further review the proposed design.

The Right Reverend Dr. Geoffrey Peddle asks council that if the plan they have to ensure the care and maintenance of the Cathedral for generations to come is not approved, they invite council to meet with them to discuss a path forward.

The vote will be scheduled for a later date.