Construction & Building Works

The building is constructed predominantly of red brick and sand stone, with pitched slate roof.

The eaves of the main building are approximately 30 to 40 feet above the ground level (the site slopes away from the road), with a brick dentil course forming the basis of the support for the rainwater drainage goods, which are cast iron.

In the recent past four major projects of building work have been undertaken, other minor projects are ongoing:

Ø The sandstone parapets at the front of the church had slipped causing some masonry damage at the corners. The remedial work was carried out and the sandstone blocks reset and tied into the brickwork. Specialist contractors completed the works, which were funded solely by the church.

Ø Dry rot was found behind panelling during an inspection of timber. The infected timber and a large section of plaster were replaced and followed by a major program of redecoration. Specialist contractors completed the works, which were funded solely by the church using a bequest from an ex-member.

Ø A toilet suitable for use by the disabled was created from the Gents facilities. This involved moving a door opening and a reorganisation of the plumbing in addition to installing the necessary specialist fittings. Members and friends completed the works, which were funded both by the church and grant assistance. This funding assistance is recognised with a thank-you certificate displayed next to the entrance.

Ø The entrance vestibule was enlarged to form a separate meeting room at the front of the church by constructing a stud wall at the level of the front of the balcony. This room was fitted with independent central heating and a small kitchen area to enable it to be self contained for small meetings. The sisterhood and Thursday prayer meeting use the room regularly. The whole of the works were undertaken by members and friends and funded by the church.

Ø In spring of 2007 Erskine & Hurt Consultants Ltd, Civil and Structural Engineers, were commissioned to carry out a survey of the roof. Their recommendations were for either major repairs or a replacement of the roof and rainwater goods. Grants were sought to enable a recovering of the roof with eternit slate tiles on felt underlay along with repairs to the brickwork and new rainwater goods. The loft space was also given a layer of insulating material to conserve heat. This project was undertaken in February/March 2009.

Ø Ground floor windows in the rear of the building were replaced by new uPVC units made to be sympathetic to the existing building in 2010. A specialist contractor undertook the work, funded by the church.