ROGATE Church members will learn more later this year about an estimated £200,000 project to shed light into the darker corners of the church, parts of which date back to Norman times.
Churchwarden at St Bartholomew’s Ann Arnold said: “It’s a beautiful church, and it is very well used, and at the centre of much of what happens in the village.
“But we have been told it needs rewiring throughout and new lighting.
“We are just getting the quotes in for the work, but we think it’s going to cost about £200,000.
“When we know for sure how much is needed, we can approach the lottery and begin fundraising in earnest in the Rogate benefice.”
The team working on the ‘2020 – a Vision for the Future’ project is liaising with a Church of England architect and experts from the Chichester Diocese, and it is planned the team will unveil the details of the project in the autumn.
Ann said: “This is an exciting time for us as we prepare for major changes, and opportunities for continued growth.”
Rogate vicar the Rev Edward Doyle said the soon-to-be launched project will encourage church members to work together for a clearer vision of the future life of the church and its members.
He added: “It will also show us how best we can utilise our building for the greater good.
“The project is part of a wider vision as we seek to bring in new heating and lighting to make the church a meeting place for all kinds of activities.”