Church Building Project
After many twists and turns and false dawns, a sub-committee of the Building Committee met with the architect and the contractors on Thursday 8 February. The works to be carried out have been agreed and, including VAT and fees, the total cost Is in the region of £275,000 which will be met out of the funds we have allocated to the project.
Work will begin on the week commencing 26 February and is expected to be completed by the end of June. For that time period the Caley Hall and the Primary Room will be out of action as will the kitchen, rear toilets and back storerooms. Our hall hirers will be offered alternative accommodation in the Sanctuary. At this point, I should like to take the opportunity to record the thanks of the Elders and the Building Committee for the efforts our members and friends have made to raise funds for the project through various events, donations and of course, where possible, gift aiding their contributions. In addition, our grateful thanks go to the organisations who have awarded us grants.
As of the beginning of February the funds raised by the Church for the project are:
Enovert Community Trust £ 30,000.00
Congregational & General £ 25,000.00
Benefact Trust £ 8,450.00
Friends of Essex Churches £ 7,500.00
FSJ Trust £ 3,000.00
Rosco Trust £ 1,500.00
Donations £ 30,300.00 (includes Gift Aid)
Church Maintenance Fund £ 25,000.00
Fundraising £ 7,760.95
Interest on CCLA Deposit Account £ 381.03
Total Funds £138,891.98
In addition Eastern Synod has agreed a grant of 50% of the Total Project Cost. If there are any excess funds once, everything has been paid for, these will be held as a starter for Phase 2 of the project. I am already looking at possible grants for Phase 2, where the majority of the work will be in the Sanctuary, but even with successful grant applications it is unlikely that the work will begin before 2025.
In conclusion I would also express my thanks to the members of the Building Committee.
Ian Miller, Building Committee Chair, February 2024