CHURCH ROOF & REPAIRS UPDATE, JUNE 2025:
Ensuring our Church building is well maintained and, as resources allow, upgraded is really important:
o For St James’s church to continue as a centre for worship, Christian fellowship and mission.
o So the building can be shared as a community resource for Dollar and the surrounding area.
Phase 1 of our church roof renewal was completed in 2022, with the re-slating of the nave roof on the south side of the church, but this was only part of what is required.
Why has it taken so long to start Phase 2 of the church roof works?
St James has been in vacancy since June 2024. Initially the Vestry concentrated on maintaining worship and taking stock of our buildings, including undertaking a Quinquennial Inspection. During spring 2025, we were exploring the potential for a linkage with St Paul’s, Kinross and identifying works needed on the Rectory – as upgrading of the house for occupation by a minister is essential for the linkage to be viable.
Whilst work on the Rectory is a key priority for 2025, it is important that we progress further phases of work in the church. The 2023 Roof Appeal raised £35,000, which is set aside for work to the roofs,
What will be included in Phase 2?
The 2024 Quinquennial Inspection recommended that work on the church roof focused on the flashings, rainwater goods and stonework of the roof parapets. These works are needed to ensure the building is watertight and the stonework below can dry out. The Vestry roof will be included too, this being the worst area for leaks – although whether this falls in to Roof Work Phase 2 or Phase 3 will depend on the cost and how much grant assistance we can obtain.
We are appointing an architect to determine and cost the works involved. This will allow us to approach funding bodies with a degree of confidence on what is needed.
Once we are sure of additional funds to boost the existing roof fund, specifications and contract documents will be drawn up, tenders obtained and work carried out.
CHURCH: OTHER ESSENTIAL WORKS
We have problems with our porch and the stonework inside and out, around the south door. An awkward downpipe arrangement from the main roof and a poor seal between the porch and the church, has resulted in water soaking into the wall, which has worked its way through the stonework to the internal face.
Again, the architect is being asked to scope these works, so we are clearer on exactly what is needed, can apply for grants and organise repairs. How quickly this is done will depend on what grants we can obtain.
Where will the money come from?
o We have £35,000 towards the roof repairs in the church Roof Fund
o We have to obtain grants. There are a number of funding bodies that we can approach, including the Province and other agencies that aim to preserve and refurbish church buildings.
o We have to fund raise – in the wider community as well as in the church.
Please remember our building and the life and mission of St James in your prayers
If you would like to make a donation to our roof works, this can be done:
Using the card machine at the back of the church. Please leave a note that you want the donation to go to the Roof Fund, so we can make sure it goes into the right account. If you would like a receipt, include your name and address.
By cash or cheque on a Sunday morning: using a Church Roof Appeal envelope, found at the back of church, and placed on the collection plate.
By post. Cheques should be made payable to St James the Great and sent to:
St James the Great Roof Appeal, The Rectory 12 Harviestoun Road Dollar
FK14 7HF
Please make sure to include your name and address so that we can send you a receipt.
Please consider gift aiding your donation if you are a taxpayer. Gift Aid declaration forms available from here,