There has been quite a flurry of activity behind the scenes at St Jude’s in recent weeks and months, getting ready for one of our biggest ever restoration projects. After 156 years, St Jude’s is getting a new roof!
For many years we have had the roof regularly checked so that slipped or broken slates could be repaired. But eventually, the experts advised, the old iron fixings would fail in large numbers. Before that time came upon us, we needed to replace all of the slates. Thanks to God’s goodness and the generosity of those who have supported our Restoration Fund, the Parish Council decided that 2021 was the year to do it.
This will be a like-for-like replacement, with new Welsh slates of the same size as the existing ones. They will be fixed with copper instead of iron, for a longer-lasting result. We are also taking the opportunity to place some insulation in the roof.
You will see scaffolding erected around the church from mid-July. The work is expected to take around 10 weeks. Sunday services will continue as normal. Our ability to use the church on weekdays will be reduced, but of course, we still have the Parish Room and the Parish Centre. Also, we are hoping to be able to accommodate all requests for important events such funerals during the construction period.
I would like to thank everyone who has given generously to make this project possible. It is a wonderful gift to future generations to be able to provide the people of Randwick with a place to gather to glorify God, and to “grow up in our salvation”, without having the worry of a building in need of repair.
Thanks are also due to our honorary Heritage Architect, Geoff Danks, and our Treasurer Alan Clark, who have done a lot of important groundwork to make this happen.
With June 30 approaching, don’t forget that there is still an opportunity to make a tax-deductible gift to the Restoration Fund to support this exciting project.
In brief:
- Next Sunday is Dedication Sunday. We will be holding one special combined service at 10.30 am, followed by lunch in the Parish Room. (Services at the usual times of 8.00 am and 10.00 am will not be held.) I am looking forward to seeing you there. More info on the back page.
- With the school holidays approaching, Kids’ Club, Youth, Playgroup and most Bible Study groups will soon be taking a break. See back page for details.
- Finally, congratulations to two congregation members for their inclusion in the Queen’s Birthday Honours: Mrs Nada Brissenden OAM for services to music and Dr John Bennett AM for services to education.