The 'four-year exile' is over, the Uniting Church is declaring.
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In fact, it's been four and a half years that the Church has been waiting to celebrate its spire's completion, The Reverend Julie Lawton-Gallard was quick to point out.
That will happen this Sunday at 2pm when parishioners, special guests and the wider community will gather for a service to mark the event.
"It will be an acknowledgement of everything we've been through over that time," The Reverend Lawton-Gallard said.
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The spire was damaged in a major storm in December, 2014. But it was not a simple repair. Engineers found the tower was not attached to its base and so began a thorough structural assessment and restoration. The Goldsmith Street church was closed while Sydney firm, Advanced Building, undertook the restoration work, including construction of a new steeple.
The firm put the finishing touches on the project in July/August and in September, the council granted an occupation certificate.
It has cost over $1 million but has all been covered by insurance.
A one-off service was held at the church in July but they didn't return permanently until one month ago. Parishioners have attended services at Craigs Hill Chapel since the Uniting Church's closure.
The Reverand Lawton-Gallard said Sunday's event marked a milestone.
"It is a big deal especially as we originally thought we'd be back in the church 12 months after it all happened," she said.
"At least we're back in there before Christmas, which is lovely."
The Reverend Lawton-Gallard will lead Sunday's service, with The reverend Tim Jensen from North Belconnen Uniting Church preaching.
An afternoon tea will be served afterwards.
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