Painting

Painting of the exterior woodwork is an urgent priority. Some funds have already been raised for this project.

Estimated Cost: $15,000

Painting has commenced (as per 27th Feb Pew Bulletin) after consultation with the architects and heritage consultants we are going to paint the doors and other trim areas of the church in a wheat colour to match the Parish Centre.

Cracks in the walls

Cracks in the interior walls need attention. Some of the cracks have developed quite quickly. Modern technology should assist with effective repair of this age-old problem. The interior walls would then need repainting. A detailed quote is being obtained, but we know the cost will be many thousands to repair.

Stained Glass Windows

The stained glass windows are now in need of urgent repairs. These could be expected to be restored every one hundred years, and some are older than that. Some are showing serious buckling. We are custodians of these precious memorials. We must maintain these treasures. There is a full report from the Craftsman available for you to read

Estimated Cost: $10,000

"If you are coming into St James then please look at the newly repaired and installed window by the front door. You would never have seen this window so well." It is now in one metal frame and more of the window is now visible then when it was first placed in St James' Church. Then go and have a look at the leadlight windows in the southern porch; which have been repaired and covered with protective polycarbonate. Two other windows on the southern side have also had polycarbonate protection installed." Fr Gary's message in the Feb 27th Pew Bulletin

Bell Tower

The bell tower (which supports the bell rung at every Sunday Service) has severe dry rot in the timbers and urgent repair work is required. We are awaiting an Engineer's report on the method of repair. When this assessment is received, an accurate restoration cost can be obtained.

Pew Restoration

The pews are being restored with the generous donation of $25,000 given by Frank Francis and family. The total cost paid for restoration to date is $14,000. Available funds should complete this work.

When accurate quotes are available, the target amount for the appeal will be updated.

Planning for this restoration has been done by St James' for some years, but the need to commence restoration has come more quickly.

This appeal is necessary as the Parish cannot take restoration funds from the weekly giving program. Funds from the giving program, supplemented by investment income, just cover the necessary running costs of the Parish.

We ask for your contribution to the 2010 restoration fund for the church of St James.

We will be making a "GIFT REGISTER" of the donors to this fund. (The amount may or may not be made public, just as you choose)

A similar "Gift Register" was made when extra funds were required for furnishing the Parish Centre in 1996. The book is kept in the Display Cabinet at the Parish Centre. It is 14 years since we have asked for extra funds for a special project.

We ask for your prayers as we move forward with this special appeal.

The Rector or the Wardens would be happy to speak to you about your gift. See the Contacts page for details