Christ Church was the first protestant church in Southern Italy and was consecrated on 11 March 1865 by the Bishop of Gibraltar. The stained glass windows of Christ Church are in grave disrepair, and require an urgent restoration effort to continue to stay intact.

With age and the summer heat of 120 years, the lead structure of the church’s magnificent windows has weakened and the windows have buckled dangerously, requiring immediate attention, as well as ridding them of the accumulated dust and pollution of years. However, we are a small congregation, with no endowment and very slender resources.

The church itself was designed by an English architect, Thomas Smith, and built in the neo-gothic style as this was most prevalent in contemporary England during that time. Though the original roofing was eventually replaced, the stone from Malta and the Scots pine woodwork within is original, and has lasted well. The elaborate design of the beautiful stained glass windows, reflects the bright colours and interwoven Celtic tracery of illuminated manuscripts, quite unique in Southern Italy, which is dedicated almost exclusively to the baroque instead.

The windows face absolute and imminent peril without restoration. Thus, we have started this hopeful campaign to try and garner the funds needed for the work. It would mean so much to past, present and future parishioners of Christ Church to see the beauty and integrity of the windows restored and preserved.

In the spring of 2009 an appeal was sent out for donations for the restoration of the stained glass windows in the chancel of the church.

The cost of restoring the five chancel windows was estimated to be approximately €37,500. Thanks to your generosity in this very difficult time for everyone’s finances, we have received approximately 60% of the total cost. Urgent though the work is, we never really imagined it could be completed in a single year, but we are well on the way to meeting our goal by the end of 2010!

Two entire windows are already completed as well as the five clover windows above each one of the five, and the third window has been dismantled for restoration as well as two of the nave windows that were found to be in a very perilous condition.

It is very exciting for us that this work might be finished by the end of the year. With the goal so nearly in sight, please keep the contributions coming in. There is no limit to the number of times that you may contribute. And of course we would consider the total amount donated, to entitle the donor to a brass memorial plaque.

If all goes according to plan, we are hoping to have a dedication ceremony on Christ the King, which is the 3rd Sunday in November. Keep that date on your calendar.

If you can help with a contribution, we thank you. We thank you in advance for any and all assistance you may provide, and eagerly await your response. If you wish to donate specifically for this project, please use our PayPal channel: