Congregation approves church redevelopment

By Shelly Thompson, Anya Trybala | Tue, 30/03/2010 - 11:00 |   No comments
The proposed plan to redevelop the burnt remains of a 19th-century church in Collingwood has received approval from a major congregation.
 
The head of the church's 200-strong Vietnamese parish is pleased with the proposed developments to the site of St Joseph's church, which suffered major damage in April 2007 because of a fire reportedly caused by an electrical fault.
 
The fire destroyed more than half of the original structure, completed in 1862, and there has been no action to the redevelopment until proposed plans were put on display in February.
 
The remains will be demolished to make way for a library and playground for use by the adjacent St Joseph's Primary school, according the proposed developments.
 
Sunday mass and other events within their community have been held in an adjacent hall with a makeshift liturgy over the past few years.
 
The current hall will be extended to include an 80-seat worship area which has received the approval of Father Peter Hoang.
 
A memorial for the old church will be erected alongside the new buildings.
 
"We support it and we would like it to be redone so that we can have a proper worshipping place every Sunday," Father Hoang said.
 
It has taken three years for the redevelopment plans to be released which Father Hoang attributed to a number of issues including opposition from community groups and the National Trust.
 
Despite these concerns he is happy that something is finally being done.
 
"We certainly would like a proper place to gather. We accept that what we have there, but we hope the new project will take soon.
 
"Ceremonies don't have to be in a big grand church to be in the eyes of God.
 
"There is plenty going on with the Vietnamese community even after the mass concludes on Sundays...the youth group, the choir that stays behind for singing practice, it's really alive."
 
The plans are still open for comment.
 
Tomorrow: Save St Joe's respond to the plans
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