Magheralin ready for a big celebration
The parishioners of Magheralin are looking forward to a big celebration on Sunday evening as they reopen their church following a refurbishment.
Extensive work has been done to enhance the building and create a warm, bright and welcoming worship space with a lot more flexibility and scope to host events.
Earlier in the week, Bishop Harold and Mrs Liz Miller were shown around by the rector, Revd Simon Genoe and curate, Revd Carlton Baxter. They also met Des Cairns, who led the design and glebe wardens, Peter Greenfield and Terry Nicholson.
Des explained that the refurbishment was initially prompted by the need to completely rewire the church and bring it into line with current health and safety requirements. The vestry, however, grabbed the opportunity to install new heating, lighting and audio–visual equipment and make major improvements to the fabric of the building.
At the main entrance a draft lobby has been added and off it, a disabled toilet with baby changing facilities. The lobby serves the double function of keeping the heat in and providing a means of escape if there is an emergency.
Those familiar with the church will immediately notice that the baptismal font has been moved to a more central position at the back, freeing up space for a coffee/tea station to one side of the lobby. The font (and baptisms) will now be more visible, particularly with the installation of an HD camera on one of the pillars.
Virtually all of the pews have been replaced by upholstered wood–framed chairs. “We retained some pews to preserve some of the story of the building,” explained Des. “In the chancel, for example, we’ve kept the back choir pews, along with the prayer desks, but the rest of the seating is moveable so that the whole space can be cleared.”
Looking up the aisle, the right hand transcept has been separated off with a striking full height double glazed glass wall. This space has its own heating and can be used as a meeting room. It also has an audio–visual feed – ideal for families with young children who might want to be part of the service but are wary of disturbing others.
The church has been completely redecorated and carpeted, apart from some of the original flooring at the back.
Do call in and enjoy this beautiful building. Magherlin will host the Diocesan Synod in 2018.
Design: Des Cairns Architecture Contractors: McKelvey Construction