Roof Appeal

The church celebrates 150 years in 2009. Will you help us put on a new roof - to last another 150 years?

For almost 150 years St John’s Church Lemsford has stood as witness to the Christian faith, for the parish and the local area. As a building it has been well maintained. As a place of worship, it has received loving care. The Annexe built in the 1980’s greatly extended the church’s ability to meet today’s needs.

Now we are looking to future needs.

Phase 1 is to repair the roof and secure it for another 150 years. For some years, the south slope in particular has deteriorated, as slates have fallen off and had to be refixed. The danger of worse damage, in a storm or high winds, can only increase.

Most of the existing slates will be re-used when the roof battening underneath has been replaced. New slates will closely match the old.

The total cost of the roof and other work could be about £60,000. Thanks to fund-raising over recent years, we already have £40,000 in our building fund. So we are appealing now for another £20,000.

If funding permits, both slopes will be renewed during 2008. A final decision on this will be taken by the Church Council early in the New Year.

Click here to open a printable donation form ...

Phase 2 of our major plans, to extend and improve the facilities of the annexe, could take place in the next 3 - 5 years, and cost a further £100,000. We have one legacy as a starter towards this target, and hope for more in the years to come.

Will you help us now to raise an immediate £20,000 to renew the whole roof – and give us a platform for future work in the coming years?

For those who love Lemsford Church, this is a unique opportunity to help us achieve our immediate aim of restoring the roof by 2009 when we shall celebrate our 150th anniversary.

We ask you to help us:

Thank you

A Note Regarding Parish Funding:

Our church, like most in the Church of England, depends on the voluntary giving of members and supporters. We need an income of over £50,000 a year to cover ordinary running costs.

The cost of our roof work will be over and above the normal budget. We receive no state funding and will not qualify for any major grants such as from English Heritage.

All taxpayers can increase the value of their giving through Gift Aid. The envelopes in church are one way of doing this, for our regular needs. For this special appeal, please simply click here and complete the printable donation form.

Further information about regular giving can be found at the back of the church, or obtained from the Treasurer. Click here to contact us.