NewsBite

Group objects to a new meeting room to be constructed at the rear of fire-ravaged St James Church in Brighton

MORE than 400 parishioners have railed against plans to build what they call a “function centre” at the rear of the burnt-out St James Church.

MORE than 400 parishioners have railed against plans to build what they call a “function centre” in the burnt-out St James Church in Brighton.

The Catholic church was destroyed by fire in March 2015, leaving just a shell at the North Rd site.

Since the blaze, there have been discussions on how to reconstruct the 1892-built church between the Catholic hierarchy, parishioners and neighbouring parish school, but some are unhappy with the outcome.

Timothy Lynch, a parishioner for 35 years, said plans he had seen included a new section at the rear designed as a meeting space, with a separate mezzanine level.

He said the 400-plus strong group did not want a meeting hall or “function centre”, and the church must be rebuilt the same as it was before the fire.

“We love this place – it is an architectural jewel,” Mr Lynch said.

“They want the back part of the church to be used as a meeting room, with a mezzanine and lift, and have functions and school meetings there.

“We don’t want that. It will take away the ambience and atmosphere – it would completely spoil the spiritual experience for us.”

He said the group had appealed to Catholic powers at the Vatican to step in, and was awaiting a response.

Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne spokesman Shane Healy said while detailed designs were still a while away, it would not include a function centre.

He said provisional plans did involve a small meeting room out the back so people could gather for a morning tea after Mass, similar to many other churches.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/inner-south/group-objects-to-a-new-meeting-room-to-be-constructed-at-the-rear-of-fireravaged-st-james-church-in-brighton/news-story/cc397c0bad3c9e0d40a667d0b149c774