St Peter’s church launches £100,000 appeal 

St Peter’s church in Eaton Square has launched a campaign to raise £100,000 by the end of 2012. 

Next year marks two decades since the rededication of the church after an arsonist set fire to the building in 1987, completely destroying its roof and interior.

After a huge amount of fundraising, an entirely new interior was created and the exterior of the church was renovated at a cost of £5 million. The Bishop of London rededicated the church in 1992.

Nicholas Papadopulos, vicar of St Peter’s, said: “The church rose, phoenix-like, from the ashes after an amazing effort by the local community to raise funds and rebuild it. By launching this appeal, we’re marking a significant milestone in the building’s history.”

The cash will go towards improvements to the church, including the commissioning of new works of art. The lighting scheme will be improved and the portico renovated.

Rev. Nick said: “We inherited this wonderful building in 1992 and we want to hand on an equally beautiful building to the next generation.”

A fund to spend on children and youth work will also be created and the church is considering employing someone to help serve the younger members of the church better.

Fundraising for the 2012 appeal begins on 21 May, when the church holds its biennial May Fair. The spirit of a traditional village fete will be recreated, with stalls, games, entertainments, refreshments, activities for children and live music. The fair will run from 12pm to 4pm at the church.

This is an edited version of an article that first appeared in Belgravia Magazine.