CHURCH RENOVATIONS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20044, 16 September 1939, Page 3

CHURCH RENOVATIONS

BAPTIST TABERNACLE REOPENING SERVICE The modern appearance of the Gisborne Baptist Tabernacle as a result of. the extensive alterations that have been carried out recently has attracted much attention from passers-by. The remodelling is almost complete now and a special service will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday to officially mark the occasion. AVeather permitting, it is proposed to hold a brief service from tlie church steps, after which the doors will be opened by Mrs.. T. E. Toneycliffe. The alterations were necessitated by sidcrable deterioration in tbe woodwork of the front of the old building. Exposed to the southerlies, this part of the building had not worn as well as tbe rest of the church, and it was decided to rebuild the front entirely and to plaster the sides of the church in keeping with the front design. Accordingly. the old front with its wellknown four pillars was entirely removed and the new front built 3ft,. nearer the roadway.

The new portion of the church provides a splendid entrance vestibule, securely sheltered from all weathers, and two spacious cloak rooms. The inner partitions have been carried to the church ceiling and inner porches ceiled, making the inside of- the church drnufihlprool'. Several smaller alterations have been made. By tills manner of renovation it is expected to increase the life of the church considerably.

The old fences have been removed and it is proposed to have lawns with palms toeing the street, and when all is finished the whole effect should be most attractive. The architect is Mr. Til lea rd Natuseh. The structural work has been carried out by Messrs. A. Kirk mid Son. the electrical work by Messrs. Clare and Jones, and Mr, Alec Ansell supplied the floor coverings.