The Holy Redeemer Church building has been unusable since 2007 due to a leaking roof. Restoration on the building began in the summer of 2011. Updates on the work will be posted on this page.

The good news and bad news

The good news is that our restoration and development brief has been sent off to three Architects this month.  They will provide us with a costing for carrying out a feasibility study, which will look at possible designs and the cost of implementing our development ideas.   The study should start in January and be complete by the end of February.

The bad news is that after the heavy rain we discovered that the church roof is leaking.  The roof was repaired in July so it is a set back to find that it is still leaking.  We initially discovered two leaks, which were then repaired. However, two further leaks were discovered after more storms.  We will get the leaks checked and repaired as soon as possible.

December 2011

The long dry-out

After 4 years of inactivity, the large oil powered air heaters in the main church were fired up this month to help the church dry-out.  The plaster inside the church will need about a year to dry before it is possible to assess the damage and begin repairs.

One of the two boilers had to be promptly shut down as it began to over heat and the paint on the casing began to burn.  The plan is to run the remaining heater for a few hours a day with dehumidifiers to help the drying process.

The two oil tanks can hold 300 gallons each and the heating units can burn up to 3 gallons an hour.  With oil costing 70p a litre, running the boiler for 4 hours a day will cost around £260 per month.  That is another good reason to consider alternative sustainable heating sources in the new development.

If anyone can lend the church a dehumidifier to help with the long dry-out, please contact the office.

October 2011

Next phase planning

Following a series of consultation meeting, we have developed a draft vision statement and specification for the development of the Holy Redeemer. In summary our vision is

‘To develop the Holy Redeemer Church into a modern space that is attractive, versatile and sustainable for a variety of church and community functions, while preserving the character of the church for posterity‘.

Although it is unlikely that this development work will begin for some years, the planning needs to happen now so that any structural changes - like upgrading the electrics - can happen when the plastering is done, hopefully, next year.

Church members are still invited to comment on the draft plans. The next stage will be for the architect to produce concept drawings and do a feasibility study.  Meanwhile, we will need to raise funds.

September 2011

Phase one complete

The first and urgent task in restoring the Holy Redeemer church building was to make it water tight.

Damage caused by theft

This work was completed in July 2011 by Farnrise Construction under the supervision of Carden and Godfrey Architects. The 10 week project included the following:

• Replacing cooper sheeting on the main roof
• Repairing asphalt on the flat roofs
• Deepening the gutters on the main roof
• Repairing and painting the church tower
• Installing a water proof membrane under the tower
• Repairing and painting the windows
• Installing experimental metal flashing to the windows
• Repointing some of the brick work

The works were successful but eventful: we had three attempted thefts of metal from the roof during the works, resulting in one arrest. We therefore had to take steps to increase security at the church, which included fitting permanent security lights.

More photos

July 2011

Fundraising

The first phase of the building work was funded through the sale of a church property.  This will also meet some of the cost of phase two, which is estimated to be about £120,000.   The Southwark Diocese has also given the church a small grant.  But a considerable amount of money will need to be raised for the final development.

Various fund raising events have been planned, including a Christmas Fair. Individual donations are important and people can raise money in small ways through using a search engine and shopping online.  But we are looking for people to come up with more fundraising ideas and organise events.

Do speak to Alan or Ian about your fundraising and building development ideas or post your comments below.

.

More on donations. More photos of restoration. The building’s history

Our local Co-op and shops on Rowan Road were smashed on Monday night.

Have a look at the photos of the youths here.  Keep an eye on the photo stream over the next few weeks as more photos are published.  If you recognise any of the people, do call the police. You can do so anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Read Rev Paul Perkins, rector of St Marks Battersea Rise, first hand account of the looting here and do pray for peace in our country.

The Holy Redeemer has gone green!

The church is now able to recycle thanks to a green wheelie bin that Lambeth Council has provided.   Around the Parish Hall blue bins have been placed, into which we can put paper, card, cans, glass and plastic bottles (but not plastic cups).

Look out for the bins with the recycle logo and help us do our bit for the environment by using them.

More on what can be recycled

The Holy Redeemer Late Summer Fair raised around £1300 for the church building.

It was great afternoon helped by the sunny weather.  As well as a variety of stalls, a BBQ and live music, there were lots of games.  This included ‘Star in a reasonably priced Scaletrix’ - a take off of Top Gear’s track race but on a classic Scaletrix track.  The first prize of £10 went to Kyle Evans who did 10 laps in the fast time of 43 seconds!

The football signed by the Spurs team and kindly donated by Clive Wilson (the former Tottenham Hotspur footballer) was auctioned for £100 by Simon Knightly (he had other allegiances as you can see from the photo above!).  Lisa North was the highest bidder.  She got the ball as a birthday present for her brother who is a die-hard Spurs fan.

Photos of the event taken by Ian Andrews can be viewed here.  Many thanks to Denise and Vanda for all their hard work in organising the fair, and to all those who helped.  The next fair will be at Christmas on Saturday 5th December.

Events coming up soon

Clive Wilson, who played for Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, is helping to raise money for The Holy Redeemer Church building.

The Holy Redeemer was built in Streatham Vale to commemorate the work of William Wilberforce in 1932.  The building is of historical interest and the tower is a landmark in the area.

However, the roof has been leaking for many years and the premise has been out of action since 2007. Around £150,000 needs to be raised to repair the roof and tower.  Further money is then needed to restore the and develop the church.

A fair is being held on Saturday 18th September at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall to raise funds for the work.  Wilson is kindly donating a football signed by the Tottenham players to the fair as a prize.

More about the fair.   Donate money. More on our history.

Lizzy will take over from Dave Lovell doing part-time youth work and part-time administration for the church.  Her responsibilities will include leading Reds club, which is for children aged 5-12 years old.

Previously, Lizzy worked an apprentice at St Helen’s Church, Bishopsgate where she supported students.  She studied Linguistics and English at Lancaster University.

Lizzy and her fiance, Jon, will be joining the church in September.

Netta had been in intensive care in St Georges suffering from pneumonia and died in hospital on Monday afternoon.

Netta was a Christian and, while sad at her loss, the family are grateful that she is now with the Lord.

Do continue to pray for Ian and Denise.  They are grateful for people’s prayers and messages of condolences.

People are welcome to attend the funeral on Friday.  Ian will be taking time off work until then.

The conference happens over a weekend and includes talk from excellent speakers like Vaughan Roberts (St Ebbes Church, Oxford) and leaders involved in full-time gospel work round the world.  In addition to gospel talks, there are seminars on different areas of ministry, and the chance to meet one-to-one with an experienced gospel minister.

The conference is happening on the weekend of FRIDAY 5th NOVEMBER in Milton Keynes.  The cost is £139.00 - that includes food,our own room, and as much tea and coffee as you can drink.

Alan has gone for the past few years and will be going again this year.  If you would like to come, do speak to him.

More details about the conference can be found on the 9:38 website, here

Dave started as a Cornhill student at the Holy Redeemer and went on to work as youth worker and administrator for the church.  He has been a great asset to the team over the past three years.  In particular, his assemblies at Granton School have been very much appreciated and Reds Club has grown under his leadership.

Dave hopes to go into some form of full time Bible teaching ministry and will stay at the Holy Redeemer until then.  Do wish him well and remember him in your prayers as he looks for jobs.  He will be missed!

See our film tribute to Dave here. Leave your messages below

Advert for the Church Worker job >>

The evening featured The Rescued, E.Tizz and New Direction Crew.  Around 120 people came to hear the music, including MOBO award winning artist, Jahaziel.  Si ended the evening by explaining John 3:16.You can also see photos of the evening here.

.

Film by Katy Brock