When we started the work on repairing the Chapel back in the summer of this year, it was estimated that the cost would be approximately J$3.63 million and focused on the damage to the roof caused by Hurricane Dean and termites.
The contractor’s estimate to do the repairs was J$3.3 million and recognizing it could be more as additional damage may have been found once repairs started a 10% contingency was added to this estimate.
When the contract was awarded to do the roof repairs only J$3.11 million of funding was identified. This consisted of:
J$
KCDTF 2.0 million
MOE (GOJ) 0.86 “
KC Masonic Lodge 0.25 “ 3.11 million
Despite the shortfall, work commenced as it was now moving into another hurricane season and nothing had been done since Hurricane Dean of the year before. Besides one expected that with the attachment of many KC Old Boys of yesteryear, not only to the School but also to the Chapel, then the shortfall would very quickly be removed. This was to be proved correct.
After the work commenced a lot more damage was found than expected. This was due to the nests of termites that had taken over parts of the roof structure in the east end. Wooden beams of approximately 4x4 cross section and larger were found with up to 50% of their insides eaten away and so significant portions of the roof structure had to be replaced. The entire roof sheeting was also replaced.
The work to replace the roof is now completed including termite elimination and treatment, but other needs were brought to the fore and in sharper focus. These were:
The Chapel had to be repainted in its entirety on the inside.
The panel walls and furniture in the east (altar and choir area) needed repairs and re-varnishing.
The stairs to the pulpit which had been broken off for some long time had to be repaired and put back.
All the down legs for the rain water run-off points from the roof had to be replaced. The old ones were all missing or damaged. In addition four new down legs were deemed necessary to prevent backing up of water on the flat section of the roof during heavy showers.
The light fixtures and fans in the ceiling needed cleaning and new set of bulbs.
The three stained glass windows needed to be cleaned and repaired. The round one in the east had bulges as if about to collapse. These windows are virtually irreplaceable.
There existed many broken panes of glass in the windows.
Estimates to do all these repairs were obtained with the exception of number 7 which the School was asked to take care of through the Headmaster.
Further solicitations were also made to the KC Old Boys’ fraternity.
The latest funding and expense status are summarized as follows:
Funding: J$
KCDTF 2,000,000.00
MOE (GOJ) 860,000.00
KC Masonic Lodge 500,000.00
KCOBA Overseas Chapters
KCOBA (Atlanta)
KCOBA (Florida)
KCOBA (Toronto)
KCOBA (USA)
908,750.00
Anonymous (via Timothy Scarlett) 150,000.00
Anonymous (via Pat McIntosh) 205,992.00
4,624,742.00
Expenses:
Roof Repairs 3,308,298.00
Interior painting, replace
old down legs from roof 459,370.00
Additional roof drains,
cleaning fans, fixtures,
electrical repairs 184,632.00
Restoration of stained glass
windows 248,000.00
New light bulbs 21,360.00
Repair and varnish furniture 235,000.00
Electrical Repairs to Organ 100,000.00
Total 4,556,660.00
This indicates a small surplus of J$68,082.00
Item 1 has been completed
Item 2 has been completed
Item 3 “ “ “
Item 4 “ “ “
Item 5 “ “ “
Item 6 is approximately 98 % completed
Item 7 has been completed
A special thank you needs to be said for the efforts and contributions organized by the KC Masonic Lodge, the KCOBA fraternity, especially those marshaled by Messrs Errol Lecky, Glen Laman, Bob Kelly, Ansell Barrett, Audley Hewitt and the anonymous donors.
This is also the biggest project (in dollars) the KCDTF has supported to date and all KC Old Boys are encouraged to give their full support to the KCDTF on an on-going basis.
The School has agreed to have a re-dedication service, patronal festival, family service, all rolled into one, on Sunday, 23rd November 2008. The deadline for finishing all the work is Wednesday, 19th November 2008.
Thanks must also be extended to the Ministry of Education who also played a significant role in this project.
The KC Masonic Lodge has decided to continue their support for the Chapel over the next several years. Work still remains to be done on the organ and the establishment of a garden. Congratulations to the Lodge for running with this ball. They are doing the floral arrangements for the rededication service.
Finally, when the dedication is complete, the School will return the Chapel to its rightful position as a sacred place on the campus and in the ethos of what Kingston College has stood for.
