St Peter's funding appeal

The essential and extensive repairs will cost St Peter’s parish in the region of 3million.

Work began last August and it’s expected to take another year before the church is ready to open its doors again.

In light of the hefty bill, a fresh appeal for contributions from parishioners has been launched.

Monsignor Aidan Hamill said: “People have contributed well, we just need an extra push.

“In making this appeal to your generosity I am simply asking you to do the best you can to help,” said the parish priest to his parishioners.

St Peter’s Church, a Grade B listed building, was built in 1833 and the recent excavation work has revealed the three distinct phases of building work. The original transept and sanctuary was extended in 1869 while in 1901 the church was subject to further renovations which had remained largely untouched until the present work.

The new church will have underfloor heating, a new organ, an extended sanctuary, new shrines, statue and a new grotto.

Work will also be carried out to upgrade insulation and improve the exterior as well as the installation of a new lighting and sound system and a facility to transmit ceremonies via the parish website.

Monsignor Hamill said: “They’re at a stage now where they’re building up. Things are starting to take shape. They’d been hoaking up and digging out for the past while.”

He added: “Some people got mementoes from the old church. Some of the people got wood under the floor that was there, and had crosses made from it.”

He concluded: “The church is exquisitely beautiful, but major refurbishment was necessary. You have to think long term.”