A THORPE Bay church that was started in 1922, but never finished is finally being completed, thanks to generous donations totalling about £350,000 from its congregation.

Christ Church, in Colbert Avenue, was left unfinished because of the Depression in the 1930s. But in 1993 churchgoers decided to launch a drive to get the work done.

Since then, the congregation has donated about £150,000 towards the redevelopment in straight gifts, while the remainder was raised through its charity shop in Woodgrange Drive over the past ten years.

The first phase of refurbishments was completed ten years ago, when they built a lounge, kitchen, toilets, office and meeting room. The last phase will be finished in March next year, when additional toilets will be added, together with a new hall.

Published Tuesday, November 22, 2005