Damaged Umbilo church reopens with celebratory service
This comes after the closure of the building since December, after it was ravaged by theft.
A SERVICE will be held at St Cyprian’s Church, 603 Umbilo Road, on Sunday, 15 September to celebrate the re-opening of the church building.
This comes after the church was closed in December as a result of it being plundered by thieves who stripped the roof of its copper roof plates causing the ceiling to cave in and leaving the church building at the mercy of the elements.
Rains caused throusands of Rands worth of damage to the inside of the church building and the organ. Work on repairs to the roof started at the end of March.
“There was R2.2 million damage to the church. Workers lifted the parquet flooring due to rain damage, and the ceiling was replaced. The pews were damaged by water and were taken for repairs,” said Father Dane Elsworth from St Cyrpian’s. He added that the Rood Screen, depicting Christ, St John and Mary, had also been repainted by local artist, Joanna Roberts.
Father Dane said the repairs were a massive undertaking as the church was a large building.
“It has been draining for the congregation having to meet in the church hall and also having to squeeze into a smaller chapel at one stage. Our numbers have dropped as well. St Cyprian’s is a historic church, having been established in 1870, and we celebrate the 150th anniversary next year. It is very much a community church. We host events for the community such as the Love Lights a Candle, alongside CANSA, and a Remembrance Day service with the Rhumbelow Shellhole every year,” he said.
ALSO READ: Copper thieves cause millions in damages to Umbilo church
Father Dane said a number of costs had been incurred in repairs and although insurance covered a lot of the expenses, there were still other costs which need to be covered.
The church is hosting a wine tasting evening with Vrede en Lust Estate on Friday, 27 September at 6.30pm to raise funds towards the excess and costs incurred.
“The church is looking magnificent and a superb job has been done on the repairs. We are so excited to open the church and look forward to rejoicing, celebrating and thanking God for holding us through this time,” he said.
The public is encouraged to go along to the service on Sunday at 10am.
It will be a Patronal Festival for a Sung High Mass.
To book tickets for the wine tasting evening, at a cost of R100, which includes wine tasting and snacks, Contact the parish office on 031 205 3710 or email: saintcyprian@telkomsa.net.
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