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L-R: Robert Logan
(Diocesan Lay Reader), Gerald Dillon
(People's Church warden), Barry Harrison
(Parish Reader), The Revd Canon Roderic
West (Rector), the Rt Revd Harold Miller
(Bishop of Down and Dromore), Raymond
McCauley (Rector's Church warden) & the
Revd Joanne Megarrell (Curate) at the
service of thanksgiving and
re-dedication of St John's Parish
Church, Moira
THE Rt Revd Harold Miller, Bishop of Down
and Dromore led a service of re-dedication at St John's
Parish Church in Moira last Friday evening.
The re-dedication followed a programme of
repairs and refurbishment carried out to the 285 year old
church building. The contractor began work at St John's in
September 2007. As the work of repair progressed it became
evident that additional measures were needed to strengthen
the tower. In January, on the recommendation of the
architect and structural engineer, it was agreed to
temporarily suspend the use of the Parish Church and to hold
all services in the Parish Centre while this work was
carried out. Services were resumed in the Parish Church in
September.
The repairs and refurbishment at the
church included: Stripping off and replacing the pebble
dashing on the exterior of the building including the tower;
Carrying out structural repairs to strengthen the
spire/tower; Repairing and refurbishing the windows;
Replacing some of the quoin stones; Replacing the decorative
sandstone at the main door; Provision of an emergency exit
door; Interior redecoration and Provision of disabled access
by lowering the driveway at the main doorway and surrounding
area. Speaking at the service, Bishop Harold Miller said he
was delighted to see the completion of these works. He said
they would significantly enhance' the 'historic building as
a place in which to worship Almighty God for generations to
come.
Rector Rev. Canon Roderic West took time
to thank all those involved and congratulated them on
successful completion of the work. Worship at the
Re-dedication was led by St John's Choir and the Praise
Band/Worship Group.
21/11/2008
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