The iconic St Andrew’s Church at Hill Road, Bandra West, has reached a critical juncture in its restoration. Fr Nigel Barrett, parish priest, said, “Restoration of this magnificent church — I do not like to call it a building but a legacy — began in April 2024. The deadline for the restoration work is December 2025. While repairs and restoration is the commonly used term, I prefer only restoration because that is what the ongoing work is. Restoration means there is an emphasis on preservation of the original. We are making every effort to retain artistic integrity.” The priest added that it was evident work was needed as there were certain spaces within and outside which were in a state of disrepair.
Work on at the magnificent church. PICS/ATUL KAMBLE
He explained, “Over the years, we had witnessed some modifications in an attempt to repair, which were taking away from the artistic integrity of this magnificent structure. For example, cement plaster had been used instead of what we are using for the 5.5 ft walls’ current restoration, which is lime plaster,” explained Fr Barrett.
Some setbacks
While the ongoing restoration looks robust and progressing at a steady clip, Fr added, “Certain setbacks have added to the burden of the cost. We are into the homestretch now, but it is anticipated that we will fall short by `65 to `75 lakh. If people can contribute, it would be good. Till now, our restoration has been solely funded by parishioners and the diaspora — by diaspora I mean those who live ‘outside’ the parish boundaries, not necessarily abroad. We have approximately 1600 families in the parish, which equals at least 8000 parishioners. There are two aspects being looked after by our restoration experts. The exterior work and the interiors. As for the interiors, there are our altars, for example. Our Portuguese-influenced altars suffered moisture and termite damage. They needed attention, too,” he said.
How you can help…
Fr Barrett added, “Those who wish to help can visit the church office and speak to somebody. We can also facilitate a tour of the church after consultation, if potential donors would like to look at the ongoing work. In the end, I trust in God’s providence and I leave it now in His hands.” The website has a fascinating history of this church, at one end of Bandra Hill Road, touched by the salty sea air. Excerpts from the history section state: “In 1575, a church was being built through the generosity of ‘a wealthy lady of good social standing’. There is evidence gathered that the Hermitage of St Andrew existed in 1601. In the 410 (and counting) years, the church withstood natural disasters and political turmoil. In 1618, a cyclone blew off the entire roof! It was closed just once between 1740 and 1749. Thereafter, the church has continued to evolve to the present day.”
