Help Restore St Mary and St John Coptic Orthodox Church
Preserving a Sacred Treasure—Your Support is Needed!
We invite you to join us in a mission of faith, restoration, and community. St Mary and St John Coptic Orthodox Church and Centre in West Wickham is more than a place of worship—it’s a beacon of spiritual light, a home for families, and a historic treasure that deserves to be preserved for generations to come.
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A Place of Deep History and Heritage |
Our church is located in the historic Grade I listed Wickham Court, a site with a rich heritage dating back to the 15th century. Built around 1469 by Sir Henry Heydon, Wickham Court has stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of faith, tradition, and architectural beauty.
Over the centuries, it has been home to nobility, scholars, and worshippers, and today, it serves as the sacred home of our congregation. The Coptic Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian traditions, traces its roots to St. Mark the Evangelist, who brought the Gospel to Egypt in the first century AD.
As a faith that has endured centuries of challenges while preserving its apostolic teachings, the Coptic Church remains a cornerstone of Christian heritage. Today, we continue this tradition by establishing a strong and vibrant community at Wickham Court.
Over the centuries, it has been home to nobility, scholars, and worshippers, and today, it serves as the sacred home of our congregation. The Coptic Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian traditions, traces its roots to St. Mark the Evangelist, who brought the Gospel to Egypt in the first century AD.
As a faith that has endured centuries of challenges while preserving its apostolic teachings, the Coptic Church remains a cornerstone of Christian heritage. Today, we continue this tradition by establishing a strong and vibrant community at Wickham Court.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wickham_Court
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By God's Grace – What Has Been Accomplished? |
When we took on this sacred responsibility, the building had suffered years of neglect, including:
Through faith, dedication, and the generosity of many, we have already made significant progress:
We are deeply grateful that over £600,000 has already been invested in these vital improvements. However, we need your help to complete the work.
- Severe water damage makes parts of the building unsafe and threatens its structural integrity.
- A corroded water system and an irreparable heating system left the building without reliable utilities.
- Damaged mortar on the historic towers compromised the building’s stability and aesthetic beauty.
- Unsafe electrical wiring throughout the building poses a significant fire hazard.
Through faith, dedication, and the generosity of many, we have already made significant progress:
Structural Repairs and Safety Improvements
- Restored and repaired damaged roof sections, preventing further water ingress and protecting the building’s interior.
- Repointed large parts of the building, including the main tower, to restore its structural integrity and historical appearance.
- Stopped severe water leaks and prevented further damage, safeguarding the building’s foundation and interior spaces.
- Replaced water-damaged flooring throughout the ground floor, creating a safe and welcoming environment for our congregation.
Modernization and Accessibility
- Installed a new main water pipe system to provide clean and reliable water throughout the building.
- Installed a modern fire alarm system to ensure the safety of all visitors and worshippers.
- Completely rewired the electrical system in the main building, bringing it up to modern safety standards.
- Installed a new central heating system on the ground floor, ensuring warmth and comfort for all.
- Set up the church and church hall for services and community gatherings, creating a functional space for worship and fellowship.
- Installed a disabled-access toilet to serve immediate needs and improve accessibility for all visitors.
- Created a dedicated baby room, allowing parents with infants to participate in the Holy Mass without concern.
We are deeply grateful that over £600,000 has already been invested in these vital improvements. However, we need your help to complete the work.
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Our Next Steps – What Still Needs to Be Done? |
We seek to complete these urgent projects to ensure the church remains a safe, welcoming, and sacred place:
Structural and Historical Preservation
- Complete roof repairs to prevent further leaks and protect the building from the elements. (£220,000)
- Restore historic fireplaces damaged by water exposure, preserving the character and heritage of the building. (£45,000)
- Improve security with fencing, CCTV, and an alarm system to protect this historic site. (£65,000)
- Install roof insulation to reduce heating costs and make the building more energy-efficient. (£15,000)
- Add secondary glazing to protect historic windows, improve insulation, and reduce heating costs. (£18,000)
Essential Facilities and Accessibility
- Install men’s and women’s toilets on the ground floor to accommodate worshippers and visitors. (£30,000)
- Install six additional toilets on the first floor and throughout the building to meet the needs of a growing congregation. (£30,000)
- Complete the mains water pipe system replacement to ensure a reliable water supply throughout the entire building. (£6,000)
- Renovate the ground floor to provide safe and modern facilities for our congregation and the wider community. (£50,000)
Community and Spiritual Spaces
- Set up the altar and a dedicated baptism room to serve the spiritual needs of our congregation. (£16,000)
- Build a functional kitchen to serve the congregation and visitors during events and gatherings. (£23,000)
- Create rooms for Sunday School and visitor accommodations, ensuring a welcoming space for learning and fellowship.
- Build outdoor and indoor children’s play areas for families, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
- Install chandeliers to enhance the sacred beauty of the church and create a reverent atmosphere for worship.
Heating and Comfort
- Install a heating system for the first floor to provide comfort throughout the building. (£8,000)
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How you can help? |
Donate Today
Every contribution helps preserve this church and community centre for future generations.Spread the Word
Share this campaign with your family, friends, and fellow believers.Give Your Time and Skills
If you have expertise in construction, decoration, or event planning, we would love your support.Contribute Items
We welcome donations of building materials and supplies. Please contact a church council member for details.Pray for Us
Your prayers are powerful and deeply appreciated as we work to complete this mission.|
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Together, We Can Restore and Preserve This House of Worship! |
With your generosity and prayers, we can complete these critical works and ensure St Mary and St John Coptic Orthodox Church remains a place of faith, family, and heritage for years to come.
Donate now and become part of this incredible journey of faith and restoration!
Note: All donations are tax-deductible, and donors will be recognized in our commemorative restoration plaque, unless they choose to remain anonymous.
Donate now and become part of this incredible journey of faith and restoration!
Note: All donations are tax-deductible, and donors will be recognized in our commemorative restoration plaque, unless they choose to remain anonymous.