The Anglican Church of St Peter The Fisherman Hout Bay needs just over half a million rand to fix their boundary wall and they are hoping their new shop can help them reach that goal.
Last week, the church launched their shop called The Fishing Net, which sells second-hand goods.
They are calling on the public to donate goods to the shop.
Reverend Gaile Beckett said the idea for the shop came out of their parish council meeting where they discussed ways in which to raise the funds to repair the damaged wall.
“We saw other Anglican churches have shops and their feedback was good, and we thought it was a great idea for us to try,” she said.
The wall abutting Victoria Road is leaning dangerously towards the main road and the church is concerned that pedestrians and motorists could be fatally injured if the wall collapses. There are also fears that the wall could fall onto the driveway.
“The parish is now facing a huge financial challenge as the wall at the front and the driveway up to the rectory and hall is in danger of collapsing and needs immediate repair. The estimated cost of the repairs is approximately R550 000 and we hope the shop can bring us closer to this total needed,” Reverend Beckett said.
The church was built in 1895 and is a national monument, having stood to witness the numerous changes in the Hout Bay valley over the decades.
Many of the locals were married or had their children baptised in the attractive little church.
“It is an integral part of Hout Bay and its history, and we would like all to see it remain,” Reverend Beckett said.
She said the church pledges and collections barely cover their routine running costs and they have started appealing to Hout Bay’s residents for support.
“Many have, at some time, been to our little church, we have asked them to either make a once-off donation or to pledge a regular amount. R100 a month would go a long way to help if enough people participate,” she said.
● Should you wish to help, contact the office on 021 790 1029 or Reverend Beckett after hours on 073 634 1593 or 021 791 1150 or email stpetershb@kingsley.co.za
The shop will be open on Fridays and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm.
