After months of hard work and planning, conservation work on the bell tower and St James (Slim Jim) has begun with the Cathedral now hidden behind scaffolding. An assessment of the bell tower and development of a conservation plan is now well underway.
Early in July a banner was unfurled stating that the Cathedral bell will ring again and now we call on your support to make this first step a reality.
The cost of the refurbishment of the bell tower is $1.5 million. It is estimated that the total refurbishment of the Cathedral will cost around $6 million.
The conservation work will enable an important landmark of heritage significance within the city of Townsville to continue to be an active place of worship and venue for various cultural and artistic functions.
Not only is the Cathedral being physically refurbished, the Cathedral congregation is also re-invigorating its life, ministry and mission to continue to reflect the changing nature of our society and worship.
The Diocese and I are delighted that Mr. George Roberts has accepted our invitation to be the patron. Mr. Roberts has been a long time supporter and advocate for both the Cathedral and the City of Townsville.
Please help us make the bell ring again as it calls us to worship, to peal as we celebrate married life, and as it tolls to give thanks for the earthly life of our loved ones.
Further restoration work is needed and we ask for your support in the hope that our current and future generations will continue to utilise the grand piece of architecture for various significant community events.
Any donations made to the Conservation Appeal are tax deductible.
God bless,
+ Bill, N.Q.
1st July 2008