Heating and Refurbishment Appeal 2003/4

From the Rector of St Mark's, Rev. John McDowell

"For all things come from You and of Your own we give You."

We hear and say these words or words like them each Sunday and familiarity may have blunted their meaning. They mean that there is nothing that can be ours independently of God. Either we, and all we possess, are used in His service, or they are valueless.

Bringing up our families in modest but decent conditions, paying through taxes for health and defence, helping those who have not enough are all perfectly "religious" ways of spending our money, although on the face of it they have nothing to do with religion. So also is maintaining God's House in modest decency and comfort.

I would ask you to give generously to this fundraising appeal for the provision of necessary amenities for St Mark's. After all, these things are not just bricks and mortar, they are the practical side to our calling to maintain a permanent witness to the love and the beauty and the grandeur of God.

What is planned and Why ?

(a) Refurbishment of the Compton Organ

The John Compton organ was built in 1932 and is built on similar principles to cinema organs of that era. A new enlarged console was provided in 1959 and part of the electrical system was replaced in 1977. Accumulation of dirt and deterioration of electrical wiring and leatherwork have made the organ unreliable in recent years.

Given the strong musical tradition of worship in St Marks, a modern electronic organ was deemed an inappropriate solution, while a new or second hand pipe organ appears to be well beyond our financial means at this time. It was therefore decided that a complete refurbishment be carried out over the next year, including cleaning, rewiring and releathering throughout.

(b) Installation of a new Church heating system.

Our heating system in St Marks was designed over 120 years ago, and long before the days of modern central heating in our homes. Following problems maintaining the boiler, a survey and report on the system was commissioned by the Select Vestry, which indicated that the current system was producing less than half the heat necessary for a building of this size.

Our consultants, have recommended a replacement system, using new gas fired boilers and heat emitters to be placed intermittently between the pews supplying heat direct to each pew, and to the choir stalls. Combined with the existing radiators and draught excluding measures in each porch, it is anticipated that the new system will generate the required level of heat, controllable for different areas of the building, and removing the need for the vulnerable oil storage tank.

(c) Upgrading of Church facilities

A number of adaptations to the interior of the Church have been identified as necessary or desirable :-

• As mentioned above, to cut down on loss of heat it is proposed to add specially designed glass doors in each porch.
• The Choir Vestry and adjoining corridor will be altered and refurbished to provide additional space for our choir.
• In order to comply with the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act, a disabled toilet will be provided between the North Porch and the Choir Vestry.
• Disabled access to the Heyn Hall will also be improved.
• Alterations will be carried out in the Clergy Vestry to provide a storage and preparation area for those arranging the Church flowers.
• Following receipt of an independent condition report, a refurbishment programme will be carried out on the Church bells.

How much will it all cost ?

The cost of the planned work including professional fees and VAT will be approximately £450,000

The Honorary Treasurer has identified a number of small bequests and unallocated funds in the Church's Special Account, totalling £200,000.

The Select vestry has decided that this money will be used to finance over 45% of the work, while leaving sufficient funds in the Church accounts to finance our normal operating costs. Grant aid for this work is limited, however the Select Vestry will pursue it where possible.

This leaves a shortfall to be raised of some £250,000.

How You Can Help .....

• You can make a one-off donation on our Gift Day, Sunday 30th November 2003.
• You can make regular monthly donations over the 12 month period from January to December 2004.
• Use the special envelopes provided with this brochure, for a single or regular donation,
• If you are a tax payer, sign the Gift Aid section on the envelopes, which will increase the value of your donation by 29%.
• Fill in the pledge form accompanying this brochure, and hand it in on Gift Day, or to the parish office. This is not binding on you, but will help us to predict the success of the appeal and plan the work accordingly.
• You can organise or support a fundraising event.
• Please remember all those working on the plans in your prayers.

We could reach our target in just 12 months like this .....