05.04.2016
St Bartholomew’s Parishioners Take to the Hills for Church Restoration Fund
Parishioners of St Bartholomew’s Church on Clyde Road, are inviting walkers of all abilities to join them in the Wicklow Mountains to raise funds for the restoration of their unique Dublin church.
Pilgrimage has always been an important part of the Christian tradition and of that sense of journeying together in faith and on Saturday May 21 St Bartholomew’s is running a sponsored walk following part of the ancient Irish pilgrim route of Saint Kevin’s Way. All are welcome to join the group on their journey along the section of the route from the Wicklow Gap down into Glendalough.
Those interested in taking part can obtain a sponsorship sheet with all of the necessary information (including maps and safety information) by contacting the parish office on 01–668 8522 or by email admin@stbartholomews.ie.
Participants will gather at the upper car park at the summit of the Wicklow Gap at 10.30 am on May 21. The whole walk at an easy pace should take around three hours to complete, including a break for lunch. For those with fitness concerns, the walk is all down hill.
The parish aims to raise €1,000,000 over a two year period for major restoration work on the beautiful church. This year the main focus has been to make the church weather proof and watertight. So far the stonework on the Chancel has been completed and work is ongoing on the String Course at the base of the Chancel. All the stained glass in the Chancel has been cleaned and refurbished.
Other works which have been identified include renovation of the tower, pinnacles, replacing and repairing mouldings, conservation and repair of the stonework and refurbishment of the stained glass windows. See www.stbartholomews.ie for progress on the restoration and fundraising.