Parrsboro Anglicans
GREAT NEWS
Hear-ye, Hear-ye, Hear All!
by Robert Yorke, Chair of our Property Committee….
I would like to share some very important news for Parrsboro.
St. George’s Church on Main Street is undertaking a major restoration project. The church steeple was struck by lightning in 1963, leaving a gaping hole in the spire. Local men erected wooden staging to the top of the spire to complete the required repairs. That was the last time any repairs were done to the steeple. (See the pictures below.)
The steeple’s asphalt shingles have deteriorated over the years to a point that allows water infiltration into the belfry and the church. Left unchecked, this would do the aged steeple no justice.
In April, St. George’s Parish Council voted to approve the repairs needed on the church steeple. These repairs require gifted craftspeople to perform the necessary work. This leaves a small pool of contractors to choose from. In comes Tom’s Construction from Kennetcook, Nova Scotia. The same contractor installed the metal roof on our church. We are very pleased with Tom’s Construction and had no issues with that project. Let’s hope for the same results with this steeple project.
To be honest though, we will need the cooperation of all businesses and the entire community to be mindful of this construction project. The steeple is approximately 120 feet to the top. The height of the steeple includes a copper cross at the top. The risks should be apparent, and we cannot assume all will be fine and dandy. Surprises happen.
We plan to repair the steeple with metal cladding, metal dormers and metal louvres. We also have some structural beams to be repaired on the inside of the belfry. We must procure a 125-foot crane and attack the steeple from three sides. We cannot allow pedestrian traffic anywhere close to this project. We ask for patience and respect from everyone to alleviate the risks associated with this construction. Let’s hope and pray this project goes forward with no hiccups.
The cost of this project is very challenging, so we had to tap into our longterm investments. We ask all members of the community and beyond to be generous and think of the lasting legacy this church will have for the future of this community. Tax receipts will be available.
Looking forward to this major project’s completion,
Robert J. Yorke, Property Chairman