There was movement on Church St, with construction works restoring St Augustine’s Church spire. Photos: Eileen Sullivan.
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Repairs were carried out on the very top section of the spire at St Augustine’s Parish Church, Church St, Kyabram early last week.
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The work was completed on Monday, September 22, and Tuesday, September 23, by the firm of Paul Monro Roofing Bendigo.
Eileen Sullivan spoke to both Paul Monro, who was working up the top on a straight boom lift, and Scott McNamara who was working on the ground with the slate tiles.
Scott McNamara sorting slate tiles.
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Ms Sullivan said Paul was passionate about his work.
He pre-cuts the slate tiles in a fish scale pattern in his shed prior to the work he does on site.
On the first day he removed the original outside layer of lead and damaged Oregon timber lining boards and rebuilt the area with plywood.
In a photo taken by Paul Monro, the restorer, you can see how birds have pecked away at the wooden spire.
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There is a copper lightning conductor hanging from the top.
On the second day he replaced the top section of the spire with the slate tiles.
Paul and Scott worked the following day on St Joseph’s Church Rochester, which will be followed by work on Sacred Heart Cathedral Bendigo.
It was St Augustine’s College staff member Brendon Lane who had been noticing the destruction of the spire as he walked past the back of the church regularly each school day.
Paul Monro, back on the ground after working up the top on a straight boom lift.
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It was discovered that birds had been pecking away at the outside lead covering and the Oregon timber structure underneath, where it was found that pigeons were nesting in the top section of the spire.
The foundation Stone of St Augustine’s Parish Church was placed on Sunday, July 3, 1910 by Monsignor Sylvester Barry, Vicar-General of the Sandhurst Diocese.
On Sunday, April 2, 1911 Bishop Reville solemnly blessed and opened the present church building. The Architect was Mr A. A. Fritsch Melbourne.
— Researched by Eileen Sullivan, Kyabram Historical Society
The architect’s sketch of St Augustine’s Church. The back section was not erected when the church was first built. Photo: Eileen Sullivan.
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