Collapsed and vandalised church reopens its doors
The Church of Christ Highland Hills is finally opening its doors three years after the church roof collapsed.
NEALRY three years after the Church of Christ Pinetown’s roof collapsed, it will officially reopen its doors this weekend.
On 7 January, 2012 the church’s roof collapsed as a result of the roof’s braces giving in. With thousands of Rands in damage, the church looked to its small congregation for support and fundraising for the repairs. The South African Bible College in Benoni was also instrumental in fundraising for the new roof.
But while the funds were raised for the roof, vandals and vagrants took the opportunity to strip the church building and move in to live inside. The Sunday school rooms were plundered, along with the kitchen, bathrooms and main church hall. By January 2013 nothing was left in the once immaculate church.
Not only did the church have to embark on a mission to raise funds to repair the expensive roof, but it also had to fundraise for the then empty shell of the church building, standing at the intersection of Trafalgar and Blenheim Roads in Highland Hills.
Two years later and the church is once again a reflection of its former self following extensive fundraising. More than R850 000 has been spent on fixing the roof, electricals, plumbing, replacing windows and doors, repairing the bathrooms and Sunday school classrooms, painting, fixing the stage and replacing all the goods that were stolen from inside the church. An alarm system has also been fitted.
Future plans include installing air-conditioners or fans, a projector and banner, putting up cupboards in the classrooms, setting up a library, installing burglar guards, erecting fencing, fixing up the janitor’s quarters and installing a geyser.
“We have big plans for the church. Not only do we host mid-week Bible studies and youth night every second Friday from 7pm, but we hope to open a community counselling centre, benevolence centre and community crèche in the future,” Leslie said.
The church invited youngsters to the church’s youth nights, where they can enjoy playing fun games such as table tennis, trivia games, darts and many other activities. The church is also available for functions and weddings.
“We’ve basically fixed the essentials, and the rest will be done over time. We want to thank the community for being patient with us during the renovations, and we invite those members who have moved to other congregations to join us once again under the new name of Church of Christ Highland Hills,” Vincent added.
Church rings in new era
TO celebrate the renovations, ministers, Vincent and Leslie Chitray, invite residents to the official opening of the church on Sunday, 1 March at 2pm. There will also be a morning church service at 9am.
Contact Vincent on 072 990 8225 or Leslie on 084 482 2023.
