Restoration work begins in Donaghadee Parish
Work has begun on the Renewal and Restoration of one of the most historic churches in the Ards area. Donaghadee Parish Church have engaged Killowen Contracts to work on the Church in what is only the third major building work on the church in over 400 years.
The Rector of Donaghadee Revd Ian Gamble was joined by the Project Patrons, Bishop Harold Miller and Local North Down MP and Donaghadee resident, Lady Sylvia Hermon.
The Rector said that it was wonderful to have Bishop Miller and Lady Hermon visit to see the work in progress. Lady Hermon is a tremendous supporter of Donaghadee Parish and kindly agreed to act with Bishop Harold as a patron.
The Rector went on to say:
"A church is more than a building, it is the sacred space in which we meet Almighty God in the company of fellow believers. A church is the fellowship of the saints of the past as well as the present. It is a living community of all sorts and size! This project has at its heart the spiritual renewal of our congregational life. "
Brian Quinn of Rooney & Mc Collville, Architect for the project explained to the visitors:
"Donaghadee Parish Church is an historic building serving its community for many years. The building, like the community, has changed, developed and aged over time. Now, in the twenty-first century, it requires significant attention to its fabric to ensure it continues to serve that community effectively. Rebuilt in 1626 and extended in 1881 now in 2011 internally it is to have a major overhaul."
Based on the congregation's needs, the opportunity was taken to assess the internal layout of the church against the worship and pastoral needs of the community, especially in respect of disability access and seating. Due to damp and subsidence, a completely new floor will be installed to include insulation and a new tiled floor finish, with a under-floor heating system. A new Chapel of Healing will be created in the North
Transept.
Mr Quinn pointed out to the project patrons the areas of water damage and said:
"As you can see, Donaghadee Parish Church is to undergo a major overhaul, which will see it and the community it serves, well into the twenty-first century, enabling that community to carry out its Christian mission in a modern and rapidly changing world for many years to come."
During the restoration work, the congregation are meeting in the Church Hall for worship and have produced an attractive appeal brochure and a fundraising events programme.