Conservation Project Update

Extracts from the Committee Report to the Parish AGM

The Conservation Fundraising appeal with a target of $645,000 was launched in February 2010.  By the Annual Balance date of March 2010 donations totalling $39,999 had been received and Vestry had resolved that the bequest of $25,000 from the Estate of Len Webb would also be allocated to the Conservation project.

Shortly after the 2010 Annual Meeting, the Fundraising Committee received advice that our application to the Heritage and Environment Committee of the Lottery Grants Board had resulted in a grant of $400,000 being approved.  Read more ...

An invitation to assist with the conservation of historic St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Hastings

“St Matthew’s is synonymous with faith, a place where spirituality is nurtured; with civic life a place where people have come to enjoy music, the arts, and much more; and education, a place where the young, and perhaps not-so-young receive instruction and learn and grow.” The Right Reverend David Rice, Bishop of Waiapu

“One of the most important religious and civic centrepoints in our community – a unique architectural landmark.”  Lawrence Yule, Mayor of Hastings District

“A fine example of late 19th and early 20th century New Zealand architecture deserving further restoration work of the highest order.”  Guy Natusch, Architectural Heritage Advisor

Built in 1886 and extended in 1914,  St Matthew’s Church has been part of the spiritual, cultural and civic life of Hastings and Hawke’s Bay for generations. A regular place of worship, St Matthew’s also continues to be the significant place for the celebrations of the milestones of life for many families as they gather for baptisms, weddings, and funerals. It is also one of the most used concert venues in the city, hosting numerous local, national and international choirs, orchestras and performers. St Matthew’s is a place of beauty and spirituality, celebration and solace, history and hope. We believe strong support for it exists in both the local and wider community, and that the necessary funds can be raised.

For its continuing use by the community, this Historic Places Trust Category 1 building now requires certain restoration work, including:

• some repiling
• repairs to concrete walls
• electrical cabling and repairs
• repairs to timbers
• replacing the lychgate roof shingles and replacing sidewalls
• repairs to leadlight windows
• reroofing in some areas
• a full exterior repaint to walls and woodwork

A conservation plan has been prepared by Chris Cochran, Conservation Architect of Wellington.  The total cost of this project is estimated at $790,000 and we seek funding to meet this target.

St Matthew’s is a facility used and treasured by the whole community and your Conservation Committee are confident of generous financial support for this once-in-a-generation appeal from individuals, families, businesses, organisations and charitable trusts, both locally and nationally.

We seek your help and assistance

MAKE A SIMPLE DONATION ONLINE
While all offers of help will be gratefully accepted, you can choose to make a monetary donation by clicking on the donate link on this page, which will take you to our online pledging form. The form will gather your donation information and send it to us.  We will contact you with information about how to make your donation.

All contributions to the St Matthew’s Conservation Fund are tax deductible to the maximum limits set by the Inland Revenue Dept.  Receipts will be issued as funds are received.  All funds are held in the Diocese of Waiapu accounts.  

BEQUESTS

Would you like to leave a bequest to the parish? To make this happen, you can add a paragraph to your will (or inform your lawyer). “I ….... give to the Waiapu Board of Diocesan Trustees the sum of $ …… for the Church Conservation Project of the Anglican Parish of Hastings and I declare that the receipts of the Secretary of the Board shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my trustees. Signed …. “

Please contact your Conservation Committee.

How else can you help?

Our target is $790,000.
In addition to the opportunity to donate financially to the Appeal, can you provide further support in the future?

• Can you suggest, organise or attend a fundraising event?
• Can you tell others about our project?
• Can you tell us of further possible sources of finance?

St Matthew’s Conservation Fundraising Committee

Chairman: Bill Dent 06 877 8424
Vicar: The Rev’d Graeme Pilgrim  
Consultant Architect: Graham Linwood
And additional members representative of the Parish and wider community

Conservation Plan prepared by:
Chris Cochrane, Conservation Architect
Win Clarke, Conservation Engineer

Contact:

Bill Dent
Chairman
St Matthew’s Conservation Fundraising Committee
PO Box 824
Hastings 4156

Phone: 06 877 8424

Fax: 06 878 9478 (Parish Office)

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