Lydians’ concert to help Belmont RC church

Another one such project, the Hosanna! concertfeaturing the Lydian Singers and Lydian Steel, will take place at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s on Sunday from 6 pm.

The historical landmark ob Belmont Circular Road has been in the proud community for well over a century.

In 1902, the church was blessed and formally opened by Rev Fr Vincent Sutherland, OP. The church was built in a Romanesque style by Irish architects Ashlin and Coleman who are also responsible for the design of the archbishop’s residence on Queen’s Park West.

In 2007, St Francis won a National Trust Heritage Award for best preservation. In recent times, however, the structure of the church has seriously deteriorated. The church building has been closed since December 26, 2010, as any occupation would be a severe hazard.

Despite the seemingly beautiful and sturdy architecture of the exterior, its interior and infrastructure have been severely compromised, a media release said. The beams of the church are infested with termites and the roof has several leaks when it rains, the walls have weakened as a result, there are now roots of plants growing through the roof and some unwanted inhabitants such as pigeons and rodents have infested the building.

Unless some urgent repairs have been undertaken the church building will continue to deteriorate and eventually this historical landmark may have to be demolished, the release said.

Donations toward the Restoration of St Francis church can be made to :- Acct Name: RC Archbishop of POS, Belmont Bldg Fund Acct No.

51080063201 Republic Bank Ltd For more info: 468- 4325, 797-9884, to contact parish priest and to offer any form of assistance: 345- 2093, 624-7923, email: st.francis.belmont@ gmail.com or Facebook.