ST Aubin on the Hill church is inviting Islanders to take part in a ‘never done before’ fundraising initiative to purchase blessed tiles that will be used for its new roof.
The estimated cost of the scaffolding and the repair of the roof is £500,000, and about 45,000 tiles will be needed.
At 7pm today (Wednesday), the Rev Mark Bond is due to perform the ‘Blessing of Our Tiles’, which can be purchased this evening and from every Sunday onward from 10am to 10.30am, and from upcoming Genuine Jersey events. More information can be found at genuinejersey.je/events.
Amanda Fry, a member of the church’s congregation who is helping to organise the fundraiser, said: ‘Islanders can purchase them in memory of a loved one, with the opportunity to hand-write their name on the tile before work commences and the tiles are positioned to form our new roof.
‘Your loved one’s name will also be inscribed in a Book of Remembrance as a permanent record.’
She added: ‘There will be a list created to enable future family members to look up their name and know that there is a tile on the roof with their name and original signature on it.’
The church’s foundation stone was laid on 4 June 1889 and the building opened on 4 October 1892.
When the roof is replaced in ‘another 100 years’, Mrs Fry said, ‘hopefully the writing will still be in good condition’.
She added: ‘Come along for nibbles and a drink and find out more about how to be part of something never done before, or make a donation if you wish.
‘Make history; be part of a community project.’
The scaffolding has just been completed, with work to remove the old roof tiles to begin within the next few days.
The new tiles can be purchased for a minimum of £10, but Islanders are invited to donate any amount.
