Simpler look for church

Press, 26 February 1977, Page 7

Simpler look for church

The interior of St Peter’s !■ Anglican Church, Riccarton, h is being altered and simpli-b fled. The sanctuary is being extended into the body of the! church in a semi-circular; i fashion and the seating will' be arranged around this. The!] high altar at the back of the < sanctuary will remain but!; will be converted into a; chapel for use when congre-l gations are smaller. |; “It will save heating the; whole of the church for a [ small service,” said the;, chairman of the works com-' mittee (Mr A. W. Mahan). He said that the carved; high altar would be made; more visible. At present it! was mostly obscured by!

'drapes. A carpet of medieval [design would be the most • costly single item in the (work. New lighting would simulate candles. ! Mr Mahan said that the : original concept for the work ! had oeen drafted by a [parishioner, submitted to the [church court for approval and i finalised by the architect. Mr ID. Donnithome. Its aim was [to draw the congregation together around the Lord’s .table in a comfortable unity, i The alternations will cost [814.500. About $ll,OOO has 'been made available from (church funds. The congrega- ■ tion has raised $5OO and an I appeal has been mounted to [find the remaining $3OOO in ! the next six weeks.