A group of determined Canadian Roman Catholics in Halifax refused to accept the closure of their 124-year-old church and leased it to keep it running.

The Archdiocese of Halifax announced in 2007 it would have to close St. Patrick's church, as only about 100 people were attending each mass, the Halifax Chronicle-Herald reported.

Parishioners and supporters rallied last year and raised $300,000 in cash and an equal amount in pledges toward the $3 million needed for new wiring, a bell tower and stained glass windows.

In the 30-year lease signed with the archdiocese Tuesday, the society also agreed to take on "maintenance, taxes, insurance, utilities, heating and upkeep," the newspaper said.

Penny Doherty, society chairwoman, said funds won't be raised during masses.

"When we negotiated the agreement, the restoration society chose not to accept the weekly collections -- that's going to the parish of St. Patrick's and that will be used for social justice work," she said.

The group also plans to use the church hall as a place to train immigrant and refugee women to prepare and serve meals and $1 piano lessons will be offered to children, the newspaper said.