The century-old Christ Church Parish is being renovated with the aid of contributions from parishioners, donations and fund-raising activities.
The Parish’s building committee initiated works on the building in 2012 after major damage was noticed on the building, a statement from the Parish said.
It was noted that the ornate and priceless stained glass windows were under threat from rain, and there were weakened floor beams and floorboards caused by “a lack of proper guttering and drains around the Church.”
As a result, the first area tackled was the drainage. PVC guttering was installed around the roof and concrete drains were constructed, the statement said, adding that the leaking roof of the tower and the western balcony floor were also repaired. A new washroom was added to the south western corner of the Church and the vestry was extended eastwards to construct a larger modern washroom and changing area. Additionally, the statement mentioned that following an examination of the entire roof, minor works were carried out to the major section situated over the seating area for the congregation, while the entire roof and supporting beams over the sanctuary had to be reconstructed.
According to the statement, major repairs were subsequently started to save the stained glass windows. A decision was taken to change the outer walls from wood to concrete board, plastered and rendered to achieve a lap edged wooden appearance. It noted that the major problem was the small north eastern stained glass window, which had shifted. The window was carefully removed without disturbing the lead connected pieces of stained glass, the surrounding frame was repaired, the outer walls were changed and the window re-installed. The ordinary windows in the chancery were also replaced.
The building was also treated for termites, the entire church was rewired, and new lamps were also installed. Work was also done on the rotting floor beams and boards. The statement said that recent repairs were carried out to the tower, pinnacles and the entire front of the church using concrete board.
A wheel chair ramp was also constructed and a programme to replace the pews has started. “Parishioners have been contributing to the cost of the pews and everyone is invited to sponsor a pew,” the statement said. It added that a plaque on the pew will reflect contributions.
The statement said the rehabilitation work was all possible through “our own resources, fund raising and donations.”
However, it added, “Much is left to be done. With God’s help we hope to complete the works on this Waterloo Street landmark in 2015.”
Upcoming fund raising activities being hosted by the church to complete the rehabilitation works include a Curry-Que on August 31, at the Republic Bank Sports Club, from 12 noon as well as its annual
fair on October 11.
The Parish said for many years Christ Church has made an invaluable contribution to Guyanese Society and that it still has “the same invaluable contribution” to make.
Persons interested in contributing to the restoration of the church can contact Christ Church Parish through its website christchurchgy.com, on Facebook or at any Sunday service.
