Long-awaited hall on target

St John's Church building committee chairman Bruce Patton beside the framework of the $1.2 million parish and community hall under construction adjacent to the historic Arrowtown church. The front, north and east lounges are visible and will have folding doors installed to allow for separate functions, or expand the main hall beneath the arched roof. Photo by James Beech.

The long-awaited facility is taking shape, following the removal in June of the previously adjacent 139-year-old Millers Flat Church to a new home behind the historic miners' cottages.

Landscaping was still to be done and furnishings and audiovisual equipment were to be installed in the new hall.

Renovations to the church, involving restored pews, new heaters and carpet, would follow.

However, the parish needs another $130,000 in donations and grants to help pay for the interior fittings before the expected public opening time of Christmas, St John's Church building committee chairman Bruce Patton said.

The hole in the wall where the Millers Flat Church connected to St John's vestry was filled with a new wall incorporating a window saved from the toilet extension.

Panelling installed in 1959 was removed to reveal a two-sided schist stone fireplace, which had kept both the vestry and the minister's bedroom heated until the room was converted into a kitchen.

Hardwood in the kitchen was to be stripped back and it was hoped original fittings would be revealed, Mr Patton said.