Church Fundraising In Full Swing, Rebuild A Ways Away

Proserpine’s faithful have been amping up their efforts to raise funds to rebuild their church over the past month in a series of community events and fundraisers.

Churchgoers of St James Uniting Church in Proserpine, which was dismantled and farewelled almost a year ago in November of 2021, have organised Flower Shows, as well as plants, treats, and treasure sales over the month of September, with all proceeds going towards their building fund.

Over the past year, the Church Council have worked at fundraising in an aim of “building something new, and in character with Proserpine, whilst keeping something of the essence of the old Church.”

Those fundraisers have seen major community interest in the rebuilding process itself according to Proserpine Uniting Church Reverend Suzy Sitton.

“The community has been asking: when are you rebuilding? It’s been a constant over the past couple of months,” Reverend Sitton said.

“Well, we’re at the stage where we’re talking to the architects and comments from the congregation and community have been gathered, and the architect has come back with some really great designs.”

Reverend Sitton said her congregation has seen the plans and are “more than excited”.

“What was asked for most by the congregation was that it be a multi-purpose building, and the designs align with that. We hope the space will be utilised for things like a temporary art gallery, or a senior’s luncheon. A concert even,” Reverend Sitton said.

“We see the auditorium that we’ll build there not just for our use on a Sunday, but for the use of the community and bringing them together.”

Reverend Sitton said the new buildings design at this stage will incorporate verandas on both sides “to welcome Proserpine” into its fold.

“We’ll build close to the corner of Main and Herbert with access coming through the carpark.  There’ll be a garden through the western property line and we’ll have our regular gardens, too,” she said.

But the rebuild is still a way off, with construction estimated to begin mid-2023.

Reverend Sitton said they would not be this far into the process without the help of community - particularly the fundraising.

“That’s the beauty and the strength of Proserpine and Cannonvale; they are always there supporting us,” she said.

‍