St. Columba's Church, known locally as 'The Red Church' is situated at Bridgend and accommodates the local Episcopal and Roman Catholic Congregations. We need to raise funds to continue our ongoing renovation project. Up to now we have completed the first phase of the project which consisted of refurbishment of the roof, installation of a new heating system and internal works to comply with the disability discrimination act, the total cost being approximately £50,000, a large proportion of this having been donated by the Schroder family, to whom we extend our grateful thanks. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have in the past supported our fund raising events.

The second phase which includes the building of an extension to house a disabled toilet, small kitchen and external disabled access has now been started, but we anticipate that a further £15,000 will be required to complete it. Bridgend has no community centre, and this extension would allow the church to be used as a meeting place by the local community as well as for ecumenical purposes as it is at present. Continue reading....

Forthcoming fund raising events include: Friday 15th April: Singing Event 'A Hymn for All Seasons' to be accompanied by the recently installed Compton Extension Pipe Organ, the only pipe organ on the Island and one of only a handful remaining in Argyll and the Isles. This organ was a gift from the Cathedral of the Isles, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae. This event will start at 7.30pm and there will be an entry charge of £3.00 which will include tea and biscuits. There will also be a raffle with a good range of prizes. The hymns will all be well known, so if you like a good sing this is definitely for you!

Saturday 3rd September: A recital by Alastair Chisholm, the organist of the Cathedral of the Isles, will demonstrate the full versatility of the Compton Organ. Alastair will also accompany our Eucharist on Sunday Sept 4th. Entry to the recital will be by ticket only, please watch local press for further details. If you would like to make a direct donation to our project fund, please contact Rev Ken Skipper on Bowmore 810321. Regular Episcopal Eucharist services are held at St Columba’s on the 1st and 4th Sundays of every month where any visitors or potential new members can be assured of a warm welcome.

Tag: religion bridgend church organ

This story was published with kind permission of the Ileach local newspaper.