Christ Church Anglican at Newport is trying to raise more than $1 million to resurrect its heritage building, which has been damaged by acts of God.
The bell tower of the Mason Street church, built in the 1920s, collapsed after a tree crashed through the roof during a storm last year.
An inspection then found the building’s structure had been affected by a decade-long drought.
“I don’t think God did it on purpose though,” parishioner Cath Ward said.
“Our building was damaged in a big storm and as a result of engineers’ reports that followed we have been unable to use it since because of safety concerns.”
New Minister Christos Kastianotis said the building’s bones were also unstable because of the material used in its joints.
“The building had been built with lime mortar joints and over time, because of the proximity to the bay, the brickwork has deteriorated,” he said.
“That initial problem of the roof falling in was the catalyst to finding out this more endemic structural problems. The amount of money we raise will affect what we can afford, so we’re just taking it one step at a time.
“If people in the community are really, really committed to the building looking like it is, in a restored heritage style, then we probably need serious support from the public, otherwise it just won’t be within our means.”
The small parish of about 60 is kicking off fundraising efforts with a fete outside 61 Mason Street from 9am-1pm on March 21.
For more information, phone church warden Peter Ward 0408917798.
“We discovered that the building has been structurally compromised due to the effects of old age and the 10-year drought which broke in 2008.”
