Diocesan News18 Nov 08

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 on Friday night, 14th November. The re-dedication followed a programme of repairs and refurbishment carried out to the 285 year old church building.

The contactor began work at St John's Parish Church 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 in the centre of the village while this work was carried out - services were resumed in the Parish Church in September.   

The repairs and refurbishment of the Parish 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
• provision of disabled access by lowering the driveway at the main doorway and surrounding area
• Speaking at the service, Bishop Harold said he was delighted to see the completion of these works "which significantly enhance this historic building as a place in which to worship Almighty God for generations to come".

Robert Logan (Diocesan Lay Reader), The Revd Canon Roderic West (Rector), the Revd Joanne Megarrell (Curate), Barry Harrison (Parish Reader) and the Rt Revd Harold Miller (Bishop of Down and Dromore) with the Parish Choir at the service of thanksgiving and re-dedication of St John’s Parish Church, Moira

The Revd Canon Roderic West, Rector, 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 Praise Band/Worship Group.