St Donard’s new Parish Centre is officially opened
On Saturday 14 November, Bishop Harold officially opened St Donard’s new Parish Centre, a project which marks the next chapter in the life of the Bloomfield parish.
The bishop was presented with the key by Architect, Judith Hamilton, before being invited by the Churchwardens to unveil a commemorative plaque in the entrance hall. The builders, Killowen Contracts, were represented by one of the Directors, Maurice McGivern.
The opening ceremony, which was relayed live to the church, was immediately followed by a service of celebration and dedication led by the rector, Canon Ken Higgins. Local clergy, special guests, and parishioners past and present had gathered to mark the occasion and to thank those whose generosity and hard work had made the new building possible. The congregation included at least 3 former curates and their wives – Archdeacon Cecil and Mrs Hilary Pringle, Revd David and Mrs Daphne Coe and Revd Jim and Mrs Robina Stewart.
Although this was the official opening, the new Centre has already proved a valuable asset and was used to full capacity at the recent ‘Recharge’ Parish Mission.
The Parish Centre is single–storey, connected to the church by the former vestry which has become a multi–functional space with storage. The 2 original external windows have been retained as a feature on either side of double doors which open out into a coffee bar/breakout space. The coffee area (right) is furnished with small tables and colourful seats and chairs and is glazed from floor to ceiling. As well as offering lots of natural light, passers–by will have a window into church life and in warm weather, activities will be able to spill out onto the new patio.
Adjacent to the entrance porch, an office, second meeting room and kitchen sit to the left of the coffee bar. The door into the main hall, toilets and a small store are to the right. All of the areas are equipped with multi–media facilities and, apart from the hall and kitchen, fitted with grey/blue carpet throughout.
St Donard’s is a listed building and known locally as ‘The Church on the Corner’. The existing two–storey halls have serious structural weaknesses and, because of listed building regulations have to be demolished. Once taken down, however, the church and Parish Centre will be clearly visible from the Bloomfield Road and the grounds will gain some attractive soft landscaping.
The entire project, including demolition of the old halls, cost approximately £950,000 and was seed–funded by 2 legacies. The Architects were Knox and Markwell.