This page briefly explains the project to conserve and develop St Luke's in the City.
You are warmly invited to participate in this project. Together we can ensure that St Luke’s Church continues in its ministry of worship and service to the community.
St Luke's 150th Anniversay Appeal (PDF, 408KB)
Full explanation of what needs to be done, why and how you can contribute.
St Luke’s Church building has stood the test of time, there having been only minor alterations undertaken in the last 100 years. There have been no major restoration works, apart from the re-building of the Norman and Beard organ.
But after 100 years time has taken its toll on some of the non-structural elements of the building, now in urgent need of restoration or replacement.
100 years on, the 21st century creates new challenges, particularly the impediment to visibility and accessibility of the Church entrance which Cyril Mountfort could not have foreseen.
In 2003 the parish commissioned a heritage architect to undertake a conservation plan. The plan assesses all the elements of the Church with a view to its long-term survival.
The various defects identified as requiring attention are mostly superficial; including:
The report also identified the more serious structural issue, that the Church is earthquake prone, necessitating seismic strengthening works.
The re-development of the SW porch left St Luke’s with a predominantly invisible entrance. The ramp and steps constructed in 1994-5 were intended to address that visibility impediment, however the glass entrance canopy designed to make the entrance visible from every direction could not be constructed at that time.
The future of St Luke’s depends on a clear and inviting entrance, which the proposed canopy and landscaped paving from the Manchester and Kilmore corner will accomplish.
The proposed Memorial Garden facility will accomplish a long-standing intention as well as complement the overall visibility of the entrance.
The parish’s mission is to continue to serve the local community in the years ahead as faithfully as in the past 150 years.
The proposed developments are designed to connect the inside of the Church with the grounds and street and community outside. Visible structural elements, paving, seating, landscaping, signage and lighting have all been designed to create an integrated and living community space, as well as making this very special Church building more accessible to the community.
St Luke's 150th Anniversay Appeal (PDF, 408KB)
Full explanation of what needs to be done, why and how you can contribute.