Our dear Padre is also very keen on the progress and have joined in the walk-about with the project team comprising the Architect, C&S consulting engineer M&E consulting engineer, and other technical committee members on 26.2.09. Besides monitoring progress inside the church the walk-about inspection also involved climbing onto the roof to see the work being done up there. Up to the present moment all old tiles and wooden trusses have been removed from the roof and new metal casing trusses are being prepared for the new roof.
Metal casing trusses or purlins are being introduced as the original wooden timber purlin pieces have seen evidence of termite attacks on sections of it. However the original rafters of the roof are made from metal imported from the U.K. and these metal rafters will be repainted over and be ready to be covered up by roofing materials once the purlins are in place.
The new roof will also see the provision of a working platform put in place in between the ceiling space. This working platform will allow for installation of ventilation ducts and lighting fittings in the new roof and also becomes a walk-way for regular and scheduled maintenance of all roof high installations.
At this early stage of renovations, the project team is also looking into a mock-up sections of architectural cladding for a new 'column' in the church as well as to prepare the slots for the future installation of Stain Glasses depicting the Stations of the Cross.
As the cost of our Church renovation is solely met through fund-raising efforts confined within our parish, your continued help will certainly be most appreciated. You may donate directly through the Parish Office. Cheques may be issued to “Church of St. Francis Xavier” and please indicate “Church renovations” at the back of the cheques.
