Modern look for old church

By Bridget Brady
PLANSfor a major re-development of St John’s Anglican Church in Cranbourne were unveiled on the weekend and an appeal launched to raise $500,000 to fund the project.
Parishioners welcomed the plans for the estimated $1.9 million project during the launch on Sunday.
Plans for the re-development include a new church with worship space for 300 people, meeting spaces, an extensive foyer integrating the whole complex and modern amenities.
Vicar of the church Reverend David Powys said the church building, which is about 150 years old, would retain its appearance while facilities would be improved.
“The plans are very exciting. We’re fairly confident that good things will happen,” Rev Powys said.
Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne Dr Philip Freier attended the launch during his first visit to the Cranbourne parish and Cranbourne businessman John Finning launched the appeal.
Rev Powys said the Diocese of Melbourne had committed $400,000 to the project and estimated the church needed to raise $500,000 in capital gifts or promises from the community, and the church had to be able to repay a $1 million loan.
“We are very optimistic about this but it is going to be a huge achievement and take a lot of faithful sacrifice from committed people to achieve this.”
Parishioner Peter Giles said he was excited about the upgrades that had been needed for a long time. “This project has really strengthened our congregation
Rev Powys said the five-year plan was to increase congregation numbers from the current 110 people that attended on a Sunday to about 600.
He said it was also necessary to increase attendance numbers in the short-term to improve the chances of raising the money.
“When you embark on a project like this, people are drawn in and people see that the church is going somewhere and has got some vision.
While planning applications had not yet been approved, Rev Powys said he hoped construction would start early in 2011.
If anyone would like to contribute to the appeal thay can call 5996 1094.