On Wednesday 10th June over 70 parishioners of St Paulinus Parish in Guisborough went to St Paulinus RC School, next door to the new Church, which is under construction. Completion is expected before Christmas 2009, and it was time to consider the internal fittings and decor. The Parish Priest, Canon Michael Bayldon, called a meeting to appraise parishioners of the plans for the design of the interior of the Church and to seek their views on some proposals. Sharon Westcough, Diocesan Buildings Manager, outlined the progress so far. She introduced Steve Waggett, the North East Regional Manager of the builders, Clugstons. Steve said that the construction was on target. He said that the roof would be put in place in about three weeks and that the ground-source heating had now been installed.

Canon Michael said that most things were now in place. He said that how they handled the daylight coming into the building was an important part of the design work, with some of the glazing being coloured. He then introduced Josie Kyme of Kyme Studios, who spoke about the design features of the glazing. She showed a mock-up of the lower, cross-shaped Sanctuary window and the golden high-level windows, representing the theme of the Resurrection.

Canon Michael then spoke about the design of the Altar, and its origins in the Old Testament. That had been originally a cube of stone, made so that it could be cleaned easily after a sacrifice. This gave the basic shape to the proposed altar. At the Last Supper, Jesus shared himself with the disciples at a dining table. Combining the two uses gave the stonemasons some challenges. The shape of the building represented people gathering around the altar to share in a sacrificial meal. Canon Michael said that the Baptistry and the font would be in a chapel of its own, contained uniquely as a ‘chapel within a chapel’, which could be closed off and is directly under the cupola, which could now be clearly seen in the construction.

Kibby Garn then spoke about the stonework design, which she and her husband, Matthias Garn, were producing. The theme was a ‘noble simplicity’ linking all the main stone items together. She showed designs for the altar, which would be cut from a cube, narrowed at the base so as not to block the view of the cross-shaped window. The font would be an oval shape with a wooden top when not in use. The shape would reflect the enclosure with the cupola above the font. She said that the shape of the font top followed the shape of the chapel. Canon Michael said that the stillborn memorial plaque from the old church would be placed at the base of the font. Kibby showed a plan for the presidential chair which would be a simple shape. Similarly, the lectern would be a simple wooden structure, reflecting the shape of the presidential chair. The Blessed Sacrament would have its own tabernacle and chapel as an extension of the sanctuary. Kibby showed some local sandstone stone samples.

Mr Frank Campbell then spoke to the meeting about the financial side of the new Church. He said that 93% of the pledges had been converted into actual regular donations and that with gift aid tax relief, they were close to achieving the £35k per annum required to service the debt for the first five year period. Mr John Hinman, a Diocesan Trustee, spoke to the meeting about possible funding. He spoke about affinity fundraising from those who were associated with the Parish and who may have a strong sense of allegiance. He suggested that they should consider other groups who might benefit from the use of church facilities, and to think of people who have money, who can connect with others who have access to trusts and grant-making bodies. Parishioners were kept well fed and watered for the meeting, volunteers providing wine and nibbles to sustain those who turned out to hear an interesting and informative presentation.