CHURCH RENOVATION 2007
Dear Parishioner
,
It is clear that the church needs painted and some renovation work is going to be carried out before the essential decoration takes place.
In accordance with liturgical guidelines, the altar needs to be the focal point of the church, so it will be brought forward slightly and situated under the arch on the sanctuary, to try and emphasise the point that it is at the centre of the "Eucharistic assembly". It will also be cut in size, with the two side panels being removed, leaving only the centre piece to support the table. The altar will remain at its present elevation. See plan here and see photos here
The 'Presidential Chair' will be moved from the front of the altar, and situated near the Baptismal Font
The pulpit will be removed and replaced by a lectern, made partly from the excess granite from the altar, and partly from white marble. The lectern will stand at the front of the sanctuary, on the same side as the tabernacle.
The sanctuary will be extended slightly, in an elliptical shape, to accommodate these changes, and new liturgical furnishings, namely a credence table, paschal candle stand, and a cross, "will be purchased,
The pipe organ will be removed to allow easier access to and from the sacristy. As things stand, the pipe organ is rarely used and is expensive to maintain. In future, electronic alternatives will continue to improve and provide a more practical alternative.
The ceiling units which house the current lighting system will be removed and the lights will be replaced by up-lighters on the side walls.
All me broken stained glass windows will be repaired and those that need cleaned will be treated.
The holy water font that used to be beside the front door will be installed inside the church, beside the double doors, in a recess that will be created for that purpose.
The CD player and amplifier will be removed from the window ledge and set in to the wall next to the organ.
The confessional will be extended and a glass door will be installed to honour the principles of caring for children and vulnerable adults. See plan here. This will be the single most expensive item in the renovation work.
This work will be carried out between Monday 4th June and Friday 27th July, during which time the hall will be used for church services. The pews will be taken out of the church and set up in the hall. This means that all hall users will be asked to suspend their activities during that period. If any funerals are to be celebrated between 4th June and 27th July relatives will be offered the possibility of using St. Margaret's church as an alternative, if they so wish.
The cost of this renovation work is anticipated to be approximately £70,000, and will not lead to any additional debt for the parish.
A plan of the new sanctuary layout and the new confessional is located here and at the back of the church, together with the colour scheme that has been picked for the painting of the church. Progress photos can be seen here.
All the plans have received the appropriate diocesan and local authority approval.
May I appeal to you to be as patient and broadminded as possible during the period that these renovations are taking place.
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