As restoration efforts gather momentum at St Aidan’s Anglican Church, Berrigan, the community is being called on to help preserve four nationally significant stained-glass windows created by renowned Australian artist Mervyn Napier Waller.
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The church has launched a fundraising appeal with an initial target of $20,000 to begin urgent stabilisation works aimed at protecting the heritage-listed building and its treasured windows.
Project co-ordinator Rob Clark said the need for action had become increasingly urgent.
“There were cracks in the glass,” he said.
“Some of the panes were separating from the lead, and some of them are actually fractured.”
Mr Clark said temporary repairs had already been carried out by local tradesman Sergio Redegalli to prevent further deterioration.
“If we didn't stop the weather getting in, it was going to ruin it.”
Built in 1902 from locally made bricks, St Aidan’s has experienced foundation movement over time, causing cracking within the structure and placing stress on the delicate lead framework supporting the stained-glass windows.
Structural engineers from SJE Consulting assessed the building and determined it could be repaired through a staged stabilisation program.
Preliminary works have already been completed with the installation of a root barrier on the church’s northern side.
The restoration project will proceed in three stages, beginning with stormwater repairs and the installation of a concrete apron around the building.
The stained glass windows are of historic importance.
The second phase will focus on repairing cracked brickwork and stabilising the structure, while the third phase will see specialist conservators restore the stained-glass windows.
Mr Clark said the project had been in development for more than a year.
“They said (the building) is in good repair for a building that's 125 years old,” he said.
“But because there has been a bit of movement, it's damaging the windows. So unless we stabilise the building, the windows will be destroyed.”
The four windows hold significant artistic, historical and cultural value.
They were the last stained-glass works designed by Waller before his death in 1972.
Dr Bonwyn Hughes, of Hughes and Hughes Associates, said the windows were “pieces of Australian art that reflect a time and place in Australian history”.
“Saving the windows is not about one Christian denomination but about significant Australian artwork that will be in place as long as the building stands,” she said.
The campaign has also received support from the National Trust Victoria and heritage experts.
