THE design for the new Church of Our Lady of the Lakes and St. Herbert, to be built in Windermere at an estimated cost of 130,000 has been completely changed from that which was originally proposed and featured on the front page of the CATHOLIC HERALD last year.
Explaining the reasons for the change, the parish priest of the present St. Herbert's, Fr. A. A. Coin, said this week: "The original design was an ingenious piece of architecture. But it did not quite meet the rather special requirements of a church in Windermere."
The new church had to be big enough to accommodate the Catholic population of Windermere in summer. and at the same time not give the impression of emptiness in the winter, The original design, although approved by the planners. had been inflexible, limiting future extensions.
The new church will accommodate 320 people. Both transepts are angled so that the high altar is the focal point for every member of the congregation.
The transepts can he railed off during the winter months.
The baptistry is situated in the centre of the church to emphasise the importance of the sacrament, and in anticipation of the time when baptism may become more of a public ceremony.
The central tower and main entrance will be of local stone. This material will also be used for the base of the church and for the footing of the mullions. The rest of the stonework will be of concrete, faced with Shap granite. The roof will be of copper.
Some trees on the front of the site will be retained. There will be a large car park.
It is hoped that construction will begin in the near future. When the new church is completed, the existing church will be demolished and the site used as playground space for the church school.
Already £17,000 has been raised for the new church, This sum is made up from £3,000 contributed by the laity all over Britain and Ireland; £2,000 from clergy; £3,300 from appeals made in 20 churches; and £6,000 front Windermere's 260 Catholics,