Short report on the condition of the Church and the presbytery.
A number of issues identified for the church - water seepage; stonework needs attention; gas heating causes condensation and feels less warm (winter weekdays Mass offered in sacristy).
The presbytery is in good condition - rewired and redecorated (kitchen and 1 bedroom still to be redecorated)
Need £14-5-0 out of Mission's funds to pay for electric lighting in the new church and presbytery. Altar, awaiting estimates, can be built for when the church is opened and consecrated by the Bishop. Lack of labour hinders work progress. Accepted masses from Fr Demford of Westminster [list not present]. "We have been left in peace here for some time now, but a ship was blown up off here last Saturday."
Mason, William Hugh Owen Rev (1928-2017)Southwold Council will not meet for some time - the town clerk assures Fr Mason that they will not press for the road charges whilst they wait for an exemption based on erection of Church and Presbytery in the site.
St Leger Mason, Henry Patrick Rev (-1940)"Taylor" of Southwold who built the Church and Presbytery in 1914 observed that the belfry was infested by woodworm. It was treated and planks replaced by a local man for £16. Upon inspecting the Housekeeper's bedroom (she had nearly fallen through the floor) and the rest of the house he suggests that the whole place (church and house) was infested by woodworm and needed treating. He could do that for £430. Dean Canon McBride suggested that Fr Pritchard contact the Bishop to get approval to spend the money.
Pritchard, Guy Rev PhD MA (-1983)Encloses details [not present] of work done on presbytery and sacristy. A lot need to be done to make the place habitable - and there are three rooms yet to do. Fr Pritchard had done much when here - what it was like before...? Still more to do. Church at Halesworth not been touched since it was built 17 years ago.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)Canon McBride visited and agreed that a survey was required. Tony Rossi will come next week. Be ready for a shock, the place is in a state both in appearance and structurally.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)Bill for work on the presbytery (which was in a 'crummy'' state) has come to more than expected - £3344-77. Have £1500 in the bank but £500 is needed for work on Halesworth church. Can you help out?
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)Inventory of Sacred Heart Presbytery, Southwold - church property.
ParishionerExchange of documentarian relating to the building of the new Church and house (presbytery)
St Leger Mason, Henry Patrick Rev (-1940)Recently inspected the Church and Presbytery at Southwold. Both are in need of maintenance - painting, cleaning. Evidence of movement in the stonework. Sensible to have an Architect or Engineer visit and give recommendations.
Phelan & AgutterStrip of land beside the church is identified on a plan of the area in blue shading.
The plan itself is drawn by the architects, Benedict CSSS & Heart Foss, likely for the church building project which commenced in 1914