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Renovation Work Continues - Property Report

(Added 18/07/07)

Though it is often, rightly, emphasised that 'church' is not (in the most proper use of the word) a building... rather it is the group of people who gather inside a building (or outside!) to worship Jesus. Undoubtedly people are to be the focus of our ministry. God, ultimately has given us our church buildings that we may act as stewards over them - and He calls us to be good stewards. Therefore, it is always good to hear of progress being made in the maintenance and restoration of our buildings. Below is a summary of some of the ongoing restoration work in the parish.

Originally Published in the Parish Newsletter, Easter 2007

Broadford

The renovations and repairs to the exterior of the Church have almost been completed. New doors at the front and side of the Church have been installed and new windows, which, we trust, will greatly enhance the light within the building. Consideration will now be given to the interior of the Church.

Church Grounds

We have been indebted to Mr Dougie Menzies for the meticulous way he has kept the Broadford Church grounds over the past considerable number of years. Dougie has asked to be relieved of grass cutting responsibility; but hopes to be able to maintain the Church hedge. We do want to thank him for all his work in this regard. Well-kept grounds are a telling witness in themselves. The Congregational Board expressed their thanks at the end of last season; but we wish to reiterate our thanks here as a congregation. We are very grateful.

If there is anyone who would be willing to take over grass cutting next season, we would be very grateful for that help. If you could, or know of anyone who would, please see the Ministers or Archie MacInnes, our Session Clerk.

Kilmore

For many years the bell tower of the church had seemed to be the cause of the rain water damage particularly to the north gable window. I am pleased to report that action is now being taken to solve the problem. A full survey which involved erecting scaffolding and getting experts to carry out an inspection showed that the problem lay not with the bell tower itself but with the skew arch. Rain water was permeating through the mortar. The recommended solution was to clad the arch with a lead sheet. Fortunately this can be done without removing the tower.

Of course nothing involving church property is ever simple. It transpired that the whole church is a listed building. Planning permission was required for the work and also approval from the listing authorities. Very fortunately our architect Alasdair Aldridge fully understands the regulations and was able to progress the applications with quite outstanding speed.

The work is of course expensive but the Trustees of the Church have been most helpful. They have pointed out that the importance of Kilmore as a Christian site cannot be overstated. As a result they have agreed to fund the main portion of the work. Contractors were appointed and work has now been completed.

The funds which have been available will only serve to make this gable wind and water tight. Over the years the rain has caused considerable damage to the plaster and paintwork. It will be up to the congregation to find the funds for the decoration. Having seen the generosity of the Trustees the congregation will undoubtedly respond.