St Peters restoration project
on 22 February 2011
on 22 February 2011
Thankyou for taking time to visit our justgiving page for St Peters repair and restoration project.
In 2008 the Liss congregation of the International Presbyterian Church bought St Peters from the Church of England in order to continue to use it as a place for worship and the service of the local community.
Situated in West Liss, Hampshire, St Peters is a grade two star listed building and as such is a precious piece of history and architecture for both the local area and the country as a whole. However, after many decades without the need for major repairs being addressed, St Peters desperately needs preservation work to be carried out before it is too late.
The Church congregation are committed to preserving and restoring the church for both now and future generations. A separate charity-St Peters trust, has been set up to look after, restore and renovate the church building and has both members of the local community and the church as trustees.
Progress so far
Surveys on St Peters have shown restoration needs to include among other things; repair of historic roofs and spire, lead work, work on the external walls, render and windows as well as the re-laying of the spire’s traditional oak shakes. The total cost of restoring St Peters using traditional methods necessary is £250,000
The St Peters Trust approached English Heritage for a grant towards these costs and has recieved a grant offer of £116,000 on the condition that we can raise the money to cover the shortfall.
So far, donations and pledges from church members, fundraising and applications for charitable grants have allowed the Trust to raise £22,000 however, at least
£112, 000
Must still be raised this spring in order to secure the English Heritage grant and begin work to save St Peter’s on schedule.
St Peters History
St Peter’s was originally at the centre of the village, near the village stocks (which were in front of what is now the Spread Eagle Inn).
Congregations have worshipped on this site for over 800 years, with each century leaving their fingerprint on the building. In the 13th century St Peters was first built in stone, replacing an earlier timber structure believed to have been built after 900AD. The Octagonal pillars of the arcade, the Chancel, sections of the tower and nave and the stain glass window on the left wall of the chancel, all date from the 13th century.
In the 15th century, the north wall (facing you as you enter) was moved out and rebuilt so the windows in that wall and the chancel arch are all 15th century as well as the church's stone font.
On the south side of the church, you enter through a sixteenth century porch before passing through the original 13th century doorway. The windows on either side of you as you enter the church are examples of 17th century work and behind you is the most recent section of the church. St Peters underwent its last significant structural renovation in 1903 when the south wall was rebuilt and it’s two windows created in the 13th century style.
St Peter's is a precious piece of history and architecture as well as a beautiful place of worship. If you feel willing and able to contribute to the restoration of St Peter's please use this site to donate or contact Doug Curry on 017890401 dougc@ipc-liss.com
Many thanks.
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