St. Peter Church, Barkur, Appeals for Support to Complete Much Needed Refurbishment of Parish Hall
Barkur, January 25, 2025 – St. Peter Church in Barkur, a cornerstone of the local community, has issued an earnest appeal to its parishioners and well-wishers for support in completing the much-needed refurbishment of its parish hall, Sowharda. The hall, which has been a hub of social, cultural, and spiritual activities since its inauguration in 2007, is in urgent need of repairs and upgrades to ensure it continues to serve the community for years to come.
The foundation of Sowharda was laid on October 1, 2006, by the then parish priest, Rev. Fr. Remigious Aranha, and the hall was blessed and inaugurated on June 29, 2007. Over the years, it has hosted countless events, from parish gatherings to community celebrations, and has been a vital source of income for the church, which lacks other commercial establishments to supplement its finances.
However, after nearly two decades of constant use, the hall has begun to show signs of wear and tear. The parish council, recognizing the need for urgent repairs, conducted a thorough audit of the building and identified several critical areas requiring attention. These include:
Roofing: The asbestos sheets need to be replaced with metal sheets, and a false ceiling is required for heatproofing and aesthetic purposes.
Electrical Systems: The wiring, switchboards, and fans need to be revamped to ensure safety and functionality.
Plastering and Painting: The walls require plastering in some areas and a fresh coat of paint throughout.
Woodwork: Doors and windows damaged by white ants need repairs and repainting.
Toilets and Wash Basins: Upgradation of plumbing and sanitary fittings is necessary to improve hygiene and functionality.
Compound Wall: The wall facing the road has sunk and requires structural strengthening.
Entrance Area: The entrance needs to be covered to prevent rainwater accumulation during the monsoon season, and interlock pavers are needed for better drainage and accessibility.
The parish council has already made significant progress in the refurbishment process. So far, they have covered part of the outside area with metal sheets and wire mesh to prevent the entry of birds, laid vitrified tiles in the compound area, upgraded the toilets with new plumbing and sanitary fittings, and repaired and cleaned the open well to provide clean water. A total of Rs. 6,60,600/- has already been spent on these improvements.
However, an additional Rs. 18,18,010/- is required to complete the remaining work. The parish council is now reaching out to the community for support. Contributions can be made individually or through associations, and donors are welcome to sponsor specific aspects of the refurbishment or contribute to the general fund. Installment-based donations are also accepted, making it easier for everyone to contribute according to their means.
Donations can be made via cheques, drafts, NEFT, or RTGS to the following account:
Bank: Canara Bank, Barkur
Account Name: St. Peter Church
Account Number: 3747101001600
IFS Code: CNRB0010118
In a gesture of gratitude, the church has announced that donors who contribute Rs. 10,000/- or more will have their names and donated amounts commemorated on plaques displayed in the refurbished hall. The parish also prays for its generous donors during the Holy Eucharist, seeking blessings for their kindness and support.
For further information or to discuss specific contributions, parishioners and well-wishers can contact Rev. Fr. Ronald Miranda, the parish priest, at 9448325884, or Joseph Fernandes, the vice president, at 9900404987. Alternatively, inquiries can be sent via email to barkurchurch@gmail.com.
As the refurbishment project enters its final phase, the parish of St. Peter Church, Barkur, humbly appeals to the community to come forward and support this noble cause. The church hall is not just a building; it is a symbol of unity, faith, and service to the community. With your help, Sowharda can continue to be a welcoming space for generations to come.
May St. Peter, the patron of the church, bless all those who contribute to this cause and their families abundantly.
Rev. Fr. Ronald Miranda
Parish Priest
St. Peter Church, Barkur
