Revitalizing Our Heritage: Inside the Town Church Renovation Journey

The Town Church has stood as a cornerstone of our community for generations. Its historic walls have witnessed countless moments of joy, reflection, and gathering. Today, the church is undergoing a significant renovation project aimed at preserving its legacy while adapting to the needs of the present and future. This blog post takes you inside the renovation journey, sharing details about the work underway, the timeline, community involvement, challenges faced, and what lies ahead for this cherished landmark.

The project includes historical preservation efforts. Craftsmen skilled in traditional techniques are carefully restoring stained glass windows and refurbishing original woodwork inside the sanctuary. These efforts maintain the church’s unique aesthetic while protecting its heritage.

Structural Repairs and Preservation Efforts

The renovation project focuses on ensuring the church remains safe and stable for decades to come. Over the years, natural wear and weather have taken a toll on the building. Below is a list of projects underway;

Lighting project

The column spotlights are installed.

The work on 2 of the 4 window uplighters is now complete – scaffolding adjustment is required on the altar window to enable the electrician to gain access behind the reredos (this scaffolding is mainly for Peter Vivian’s benefit to repair the glass).

The cube lights are being left until the last phase, as the electricians need the light to work on the other fitting replacements.

All ahead of schedule.

Altar Window

Peter is progressing this at his workshop. CCD paid a visit to see the work in progress at Guernsey Glasscrafts workshop, pre-Christmas. This work is to continue until September 2026.

Re-pointing

This is now complete, behind the hoarding.

West Doors

Charles Jolly is removing the modern black ‘paint’ on the inside of these doors, which he has already carried out (very successfully) on the outside face. There is far more filler evident, now the modern paints have been removed. This is progressing well.

Dishwasher

Not yet progressed but this will be commencing imminently.

Timeline

The renovation began in early January this year, and is planned to be completed by the middle of February.

Storm Damage

Storm Goretti has resulted in some additional work. The church got off relatively lightly but we lost the ball finial from the flagpole. If you recall, we did carry out an emergency repair in readiness for the Royal Visit in May ’25 and it didn’t see it through Storm Goretti. We have a few slipped slates too and this in hand as soon as we can get our roofer here. We also had a lead flashing inside the parapet peel back, which we have in hand to reinstate.

Please check back for more updates.