Diocesan Press Release

Princess Alexandra at St John's, Waterloo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8 April 1998

On Tuesday 7 April at 17.30, the bells rang out, the sun shone and the sixty strong choir from Putney High School, conducted by Roger Carter, made the air waves sing out as a packed church gave thanks and celebrated the restoration of this beautiful church designed by Francis Octavius Bedford in the 1820's.

Work had begun under the previous vicar and was continued by current vicar, the Rev Richard Truss. Now as the fifth phase of the work reached completion the beautiful interior shone as the sunlight beamed through the new windows onto the gleaming paintwork and restored ceiling.

In the presence of H.R.H. Princess Alexandra, who was accompanied by Sir Angus Ogilvie, the guests were welcomed by Richard Truss. The lesson was read by Lady Soames, DBE, Patron of the Appeal. In his sermon, The Bishop of Kingston spoke of an unattributed quote that he had heard recently, it said: 'The world belongs to those who care deeply, dream boldly and work steadfastly'. He went on to say that the service of thanksgiving was 'the fulfilment of a bold dream, dreamt by people who have cared deeply for this church, community and city, and who have worked steadfastly often against insuperable odds, worrying set backs, and the inevitable financial constraints'. Further he said, 'this church is to be a sign of hope. It must symbolise the dream of a new and restored humanity. The bringing together of the present and 'what lies beyond', heaven and earth'.

The Rev Katharine Rumens then led the congregation in prayers of thanksgiving. There follow a short address by William Cowpe, the Chairman of the Appeal, who paid tribute to those who had worked so hard to ensure that the restoration could be completed.

In inviting the Princess to unveil the plaque the vicar, Richard Truss, said that the church was 'a memorial to a lot of hard work and generous giving, to skilled experts and gifted craftsmen.' In thanking William Cowpe for all his work, Richard Truss said that 'this is a time of great rejoicing, but also of anticipation. We want this building to be open to be used, for prayer, worship, but also for music and meetings, lectures and conferences, but primarily as a place which is there for the people of this area, both those who live here and those who work here and also those who are simply passing through.' The Princess then unveiled the plaque.

Whilst the Princess met various members of the Appeal Committee and of the congregation the guests enjoyed a buffet reception and the Putney Choir sang again.

The service marked the end of an eight year programme of work. Previous phases of work included the reinstatement of cast iron railings, repairs to memorials, repairs to the stonework of the Tower, Spire and Portico, re-roofing and repairs to brick and stonework on the North, South and West elevations.

The latest phase of repair included plaster repairs in the Nave area, conservation and restoration of the internal decorative scheme, repairs and restoration of the Nave floor, relocation of the stone font, overhauling and reinstatement of internal doors, installation of new toilets including facilities for disabled people, repairs and decoration of stairwells, Western lobbies and upper rooms and complete re-lighting and rewiring of the whole church.

A new bell frame has also been installed and the existing peal of bells rehung. The work was completed under the direction of Daniel Goldberg of Thomas Ford and Partners, architects, the lighting and electrical work were designed by James Morse of Light and Design Associates. The contractors were Higgs and Hill Special Contracts Ltd and the bell hangers were Eayre and Smith Ltd.

(Photographs available upon request)

Ends.