Cathedral Restoration Launch This Month

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Wednesday, 03 March 2010 06:55

By Collette James

The St John’s Cathedral will launch its restoration initiative this month as it seeks to raise more than $12 million for repairs and maintenance to the 161-year-old building.

The Cathedral Church of St John the Divine on Upper Newgate Street has been “deemed unsafe for public use”.

A restoration committee has since been formed to oversee the overhauling of the memorial.

The project will be launched on March 18.

The Cathedral is one of the most popular historical sites in Antigua, with visitors from all over the world stopping by daily.

PRO of the St John’s Cathedral Restoration Committee, Caroline Thomas-Parker, said “though it is not an insurmountable task, it is difficult to raise the required sum without the kind assistance of donor agencies, friends and well-wishers.”

Work on the building will be done in four phases. In phase one, repairs will be done to the foundation and roof, and several pews will be replaced, at an estimated cost of $3,440,000.

The second chapter will cost $3,840,000 for repairs to both external and internal walls and electrical work. The next step will include the relocation of the vestry and repairs to a number of other items totalling $1,440,000.

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In the final stage, $1,300,000 will be spent for repairs to pathways, graves and the grave yard, water storage, steps, and balusters at the entrance.

The Committee has also budgeted $2,004,000 in contingence. The overall estimated cost is $12,024,000.      

Thomas-Parker states the fundraising drive includes 1,000 persons donating $1,000 or more each, which she said has been going well. However, she said the committee would appreciate any further assistance from the public.

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