St George’s Cathedral slated for major repairs

The historic St George’s Cathedral, which has been in a state of disrepair for some time, is soon to undergo major repairs.

The church, which leaks from the roof and has broken windows, is in need of major repairs to the exterior of the entire structure.

A source told Stabroek News that fundraising activities, which are ongoing, are expected to start the works on the building. The source added that works on the building are long overdue as he pointed out the rotting wood along the interior and exterior of the building. “If we continue like that, it might fall apart,” the source further opined.

A view of the dilapidated St George’s Cathedral. (Arian Browne photo)
A view of the dilapidated St George’s Cathedral. (Arian Browne photo)

When Stabroek News visited the Cathedral yesterday, the western side of the building was painted, in contrast to the northern, southern and eastern faces of the landmark. On the northern face of the building, rectangular spaces of black appear where rotted wooden white panels had once been. Moreover, almost all the windows around the building were broken, especially on the southern end of the building.

All efforts to reach current Dean of St George’s, Reverend Paul Andrew Carto, for a comment on the state of the Cathedral, were futile.

Former Dean Reverend Terry Davis had told this newspaper last year that funds for the restoration were being solicited from former members of the congregation in the diaspora, and especially those in England, the US and Canada, as well as from the local Anglican churches and major donor agencies.

In 2012, the National Trust Guyana had granted the St George’s Cathedral one million dollars for repairs to the eastern wing of the building.

The damage to the northern side of the Cathedral. (Arian Browne photo)
The damage to the northern side of the Cathedral. (Arian Browne photo)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rotted wooden panels along the western side of the St George’s Cathedral. (Arian Browne photo)
Rotted wooden panels along the western side of the St George’s Cathedral. (Arian Browne photo)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some broken windows along the northern wall of the St George’s Cathedral. (Arian Browne photo)
Some broken windows along the northern wall of the St George’s Cathedral. (Arian Browne photo)