Latest news with #StPetersChurch
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Sarawak govt's RM1m contribution completes funding for St Peter's Church in Padungan
KUCHING, June 28 — The Sarawak government has contributed an additional RM1 million to the building fund of St Peter's Church, Padungan, marking the final financial boost needed to complete the RM38 million construction of the new church. The cheque was handed over during the church's official opening ceremony today, in a gesture of continued support for religious harmony and development in the state. 'On behalf of the Sarawak government, we will be handing over a RM1 million cheque to the church in further aid to the building fund,' said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg in a text of speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. Abang Johari congratulated the Catholic community on the successful completion of the iconic house of worship. 'This is not just a place for prayer and reflection, it is a symbol of vision, resilience, and deep-rooted faith. 'Located in the very centre of Kuching, the presence of St. Peter's Church, among other religious houses in close proximity, is a powerful testament to the religious harmony and unity that Sarawak is so proud to uphold,' he said. The church's completion was made possible through a combination of donations, government funding, and community support, with much of the fundraising effort taking place amid the challenges of the pandemic. Poh speaks to reporters when met at the event. — The Borneo Post pic Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Datuk Simon Poh said the total cost of the building was RM38 million. 'Yes, so from the overall initial planning it was RM38 million and then you know the pandemic knocked out all the donors and pledgers so we had to start from zero again,' he said. Poh acknowledged the critical role of the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), which had earlier contributed RM2 million through two separate cheques presented in the past two years. 'And then today is the final cheque,' he said. According to him, the RM1 million presented today brought the total contribution from the Sarawak government through Unifor to RM3 million. 'With this last RM1 million, today we received a total of RM3 million from the Sarawak government through Unifor. We have enough just to cover everything and pay everything so tomorrow we will consecrate the whole church together,' he said. While some minor funding is still needed for furnishings and interior work, Poh said the contract sum for construction is now fully covered. 'The smaller things like furnishing and interior work still need to be done, but the building, the contract sum, everything is cleared. With the last RM1 million coming in, we can cover everything,' he added. The Archbishop noted that support had come not just from Catholics but from many other communities and faiths in Sarawak. 'This church stands more than just the church for the Catholic because people from all walks of life are looking and saying wow this is in Kuching. It's amazing that we don't need to go to Europe to see a very nice church here,' he said. Poh said the church had become a new landmark symbolising unity and mutual respect among Sarawakians. 'This became a landmark for a sign of our desire for harmony, contributing to society and building a better Sarawak for peace, for harmony, as a model for other parts of Malaysia and for the world,' he added. Built entirely using local materials and expertise, the church also showcases Sarawak's growing capabilities in architecture and construction, said Poh. 'This is the beginning of something that's possible. So Anak Sarawak out there, those graduating in a few years, by 2030, they can come back. We believe Sarawak will provide employment and continue contributing to peace, harmony, and progress.' The consecration of the new St Peter's Church is scheduled to take place tomorrow. — The Borneo Post
BBC News
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
In the Nave: Church hopes live music will put venue 'on the map'
A church which doubles as a music venue to help pay its bills is hosting a new series of concerts which it hopes will put it on the Peter's Church in Parkstone often plays host to tribute acts and DJs but a new partnership will see it host some "very special" gigs by international rector, the Reverend Mike Trotman, said the concert series - In the Nave - would be "carefully navigated"."We don't want anything too sweary," he said. "We need to tap in to what makes this a unique and special place." The rector, who describes himself as a music lover, said he began exploring the idea of hosting concerts after hearing about Mr Kyps, a popular music venue in Parr Street which closed in 2018."There's a real appetite for live music," he said."I genuinely think we are doing something very special."The concerts, for up to 400 people, are being organised by music management firm Ali Tillet said he wanted to "put the venue on the map for amazing artists to come and play year in, year out". The first gig will feature Annie and the Caldwells, a soul band from Mississippi, signed to David Byrne's LukaBop record label."It's great to have them coming," said Mr Tillet."They will definitely bring the energy to the church because they are from a church background in America as well."Mr Tillet said he was "hugely excited" about the project."If we can get the artists I'm potentially going to have in the next 18 months to come and play, they will be moments that, if you are able to get tickets to those shows, you will remember it for a long time." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
23-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Bells ring at Ropley's St Peter's Church 11 years after fire
All six bells have been been ringing once again at a Grade II listed church which was gutted by a fire in 2014.A blaze, blamed at the time by an electrical fault, engulfed St Peter's Church in the village of Ropley, almost 11 years bells, the largest of which weighs 680kg, were salvaged from the fire and have been in storage ever church, which was rebuilt and reopened in August 2022, has now been able to restore all of the bells thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Records show that bells had hung at the site since the early 18th Century, when Samuel Knight a travelling bellfounder cast five new bells on a site in the 1927, Marianna Hagan, a local philanthropist, paid for them to be restored and for a sixth to be church received more than £62,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the of the local parish have also raised more than £1m to restore the church and to return the is hoped the restored bells can be used to engage future generations in the practice. Alan Parsonson, Ropley Parochial Church Council treasurer, said: "We're delighted that the award received from the National Lottery allows the bells to be rehung as a major step in restoring St Peter's to re-establish itself as a centre of excellence for bell ringing and bell ringers. "Apart from ongoing practices and training it is anticipated that St Peter's will hold an annual event to celebrate the art of bell ringing and the support provided by the National Lottery." You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
06-05-2025
- BBC News
St Peter's Street in Derby cordoned off after 'serious incident'
High street cordoned off after 'serious incident' A pedestrianised street in Derby is currently taped off A high street in Derby has been cordoned off while police deal with a "serious incident". Derbyshire Police cordoned off St Peter's Street on Tuesday afternoon. The cordon covers a section of pedestrianised road between St Peter's Church and a branch of HSBC. Police have urged people to avoid the area.
