THE vicar of a prominent Brentwood church which was once criticised for its art deco design is desperate to replace the building's rather inconspicuous front entrance.
Led by Father Garry Jenkins, the congregation at St George the Martyr, in Ongar Road, is rallying around to muster £100,000 to pay for a new porch.
The existing wooden structure, between the church and its hall, was erected 20 years ago as a temporary measure but is fast becoming decrepit due to age.
Over the years many visitors to the church have reported that while the place of worship, built in 1934, is hard to miss from the roadside, finding a way into the building is far from easy.
The main entrance, which faces onto Costead Manor Road, was a compromise on the original design because organisers behind the church's construction ran out of cash.
"It's a familiar story," revealed Fr Jenkins, who explained how the party behind the church had to scrap plans for a fancy facade and move to a 'Plan B'.
The 64-year-old also says building a permanent, larger entrance will make a real practical difference for regular users of the hall, such as the children and parents who visit the pre-school five days a week.
"It will help both the community and the church and mean all the parents, grandparents and children who come here each morning will be kept warm and dry while they wait for the classes to begin."
The drive for funds, which began a year ago, has yielded almost £20,000 – but is a long way from the £120,000 target.
Father Jenkins added: "The hall is used by all sorts of groups: retirement, choir, dance and the severely disabled.
"The new porch would be more obvious, conform to disability standards and have space for pushchairs and a disabled toilet.
"It would help the community and give work to local building firms, who could then use the Robin Hood shops and services."
He added that he was praying for a generous person – or lottery winner – to donate.
Fr Jenkins, who has been the vicar at St George the Martyr for 25 years, will be collecting donations outside shops in Ongar Road on April 20 and Harewood Road on April 27.
Church warden Mick Grimes, 57, said: "A new porch will enhance the church and make it more welcoming for the church than it does as the moment.
"A larger entrance could create more interest and perhaps people may decide to attend because it looks better."
Donations can also be given to St George's Fabric Fund c/o The Vicarage, 28 Robin Hood Road, Brentwood, Essex CM15 9EN.
