St Mary’s Ballybeen officially reopened
St Mary’s Ballybeen has been officially reopened following a major refurbishment programme. Bishop David declared the building “open for Kingdom work and worship” at a special service on Sunday 12 September.
The investment of over half a million pounds enables St Mary’s to better meet the needs of a growing congregation and, through the many outreach programmes it facilitates, the wider community.
Phase One of the works entailed extensive mechanical electrical upgrades including changing the heating from electric to gas, health and safety improvements, the addition of a disabled toilet and new toilet facilities, a new office, renovations to the crèche room and the upstairs balcony, and also to the hall which is now equipped for modern use. The interior of the church received a facelift and the building gained a brand new entrance that is bright, warm and welcoming.
“The parish received approval for the development several years ago, but the pandemic highlighted the urgency of the works and just how vital church services were for many of our neighbours,” explains the Rector, Revd Jim Cheshire (pictured above). “In the last year and a half the finance came through and in an amazing way.
“After many years saving, at the end of 2019 we had £180,000 in the bank. Just 18 months later we have spent £575,000 and have a loan of £210,000, which means that £185,000 has come in. Some has come through grants, and I would like to gratefully acknowledge a grant of £27,500 we received from the Church Fabric and Development Fund and a grant of £20,000 from Allchurches Trust as part of its Growing Lives programme. Some funds also came from outside the parish. but the majority has been the result of the generosity of God’s people here in St Mary’s. Glory to God!”
The parish, which is in the heart of the Ballybeen estate in East Belfast, runs a range of support and outreach ministries and programmes for the local community, including an Over 60s lunch club, Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, and a Parent and Toddler Group.
During the Covid–19 pandemic it became the area Covid–19 Response Relief Centre and to date has facilitated the delivery of almost 1,400 food parcels, 700 meals and 500 meat parcels to vulnerable members of the community. It has also been involved in helping to deliver prescriptions and facilitating payment of essential utilities for those who either cannot get out or who find themselves in financial hardship as a result of the pandemic.