The building of a new church for the Ukrainian Catholic congregation in Burlington began April 1968 with Rev. L. Kussey’s letters to Yurii Kodak soliciting his agreement to be the architect for the new build.  A contract between St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church (*) and George Kodak outlining the architect’s work was drawn up and signed February 1972.

In addition to the architectural drawings and specifications, G. Kodak was contracted to be the Building Manager of the project.  A letter authorizing G. Kodak to begin construction of the new church, and authorizing him to demolish the existing rectory, was issued August 1973.  It was signed by the Building Committee President, H. Kazimer, as well as M. Melnyk, I. Puhach, W. Ilniak and R. Moskal.   Rev. S. Kuzma and then Father Kovalsky were the pastors of St. Mary’s during the period of deliberation and then construction.

The building process began August 1973 with the demolition of the existing rectory and excavations for the church basement. After, several starts and stops, the church was completed in 1974. Three of the participating companies were Jewel Stone Company Ltd. of Brampton, Ennis Paikin Steel of Hamilton, Halych Steel Construction of Richmond Hill and Melnyk Concrete of Welland, Ontario.

*  The heading on all Church correspondence in the years up to and including 1974 was St. Mary’s  Ukrainian Catholic Church.  The name was latter changed to Holy Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church.