Update on Royston Parish Church
As we approach the New Year, some three years since the devastating fire at the church, it is pleasing to note that since our last update work on Phase 2 has finally been completed. The major repairs to the arch, which were originally causing the delay, have been finished and, thanks to the skills of the masons carrying out the work, the result is stunning.
We are now concentrating on the final phase of the restoration/refurbishment (Phase 3). With all the work on the higher levels completed all the scaffolding throughout the church has been removed and we can now get an impression of the beauty and the size of the body of the building and of what the final outcome will look like. Despite this there still remains a significant amount of work to do although it does increase the level of excitement in looking forward later this year to having our beautiful house of prayer back as well as a modern welcoming place for the community of Royston.
Work has been completed on the excavation of the floor in readiness for the under floor heating and the laying of the stone tiles. Plumbing for the heating system has also been completed. All of the stained glass windows have been meticulously cleaned by professionals resulting in them all receiving a new lease of life.
As we have previously reported the cost of the refurbishment, which is in addition to the restoration costs covered by insurers, will be significant and means that, despite the receipt of many generous gifts so far, we will be continuing to fundraise in the coming months which will include a Quiz Night and a Gift Day. One very successful fund raiser has been the “Sponsor a Chair Scheme” which was advertised recently in The Listing. As a result, we have now received donations in excess of £40,000, equivalent to more than 160 chairs. Many thanks to all who have supported us on that. There is still an opportunity to donate this way.
On the worship front we continue to offer two services on a Sunday with a said Eucharist at 9am followed by a sung Eucharist at 10.15am, which is also live streamed on our YouTube channel. The popular Tea Time Praise service at 3.30pm on the first Sunday of the month. All services currently take place at Icknield Walk First School and booking is essential.
