St John’s Church is looking wonderful compared to its condition earlier in the year.
The floor has been concreted, new carpet has been laid and a lot of the electrical work replaced, so the church can again be heated in winter.
White ants were found in the building about 3 years ago. Parts of the altar area were eaten away as were areas of the floor in the body of the church, along the front of the altar, as well as out to both side doors and the floor of the flower room. The whole church was treated to prevent further problems.
“Prior to the repair, it was discovered the ants had destroyed a large portion of the body of the church down to the confessionals."
“That meant more than half the church floor had to be replaced by concrete,” said Parishioner and Project spokesperson Elly Fallon."
“Local media were very helpful at promoting our need and with help from Trafalgar and surrounding districts we managed to raise over $103,000,” she said.
After a parish visit by Bishop Greg Bennet earlier in the year, a loan of $30,000 was obtained from the Catholic Development Fund with the Diocese of Sale Capital Projects Fund making the loan repayments on behalf of the parish.
“There have been many donations by individuals but also many from the local businesses."
“It has been overwhelming the kindness that has been shown to our Parish and your donations have helped to save our Church for future generations,” she said.
“What a difference it has all made through to the work of (builders) Brett Smart and Bill Holdsworth but more importantly thanks go to our generous parishioners, the staff and children of St Joseph’s School, who held so many fundraisers and the donations from the wonderful people of Trafalgar and the wider community.”
The first stage of restoration was completed just prior to Parish Priest Father Bernie Krotwaar retiring to Andrews House.
When Covid-19 restrictions ease, the Parish Council hopes to hold a ‘thankyou’ function, where the church can be open so everyone involved can see the fruit of their contribution.
The St John’s Trafalgar community intend to continue fundraising for stage two, as they seek to repair the church spouting, the roof, complete general paintwork and also make repairs to the Presbytery.
