THE total cost of the refurbishment of Fairplace Church in Okehampton has now been met, four and a half years after the newly enhanced church building was re-opened.

Fairplace Church treasurers are delighted to announce that the Refurbishment Appeal Fund has achieved its aim; the total cost of refurbishment amounting to £477,376 has been met and all liabilities, including the repayment of loans, have been paid. Half of this amount was raised through a concerted fund-raising campaign in Okehampton.

The Rev Philip Wagstaff said it had been a ?remarkable effort? by the members and friends of the church over the past seven and a half years and there were many people who deserved very grateful thanks for the part they have played in this wonderful achievement.

A total of £194.544 was received from Grant Aid, £49,459 was received from legacies, capital investments and the sale of pews: the balance of £233,373 was raised by many and varied fund-raising events.

The refurbished church premises were officially re-opened in June 1999, but fund-raising to meet the costs has continued since that date.

The refurbishment of Fairplace has not just created a modern church building for current and future congregations, but offers a whole new suite of premises to the community for a variety of activities.

Mr Wagstaff said: ?It gives us a chance to offer something for the community and it is well used at present.?

Church Council Secretary John Hawkins said the process of raising the money has strengthened and united the church.

Mr Hawkins added: ?The refurbishment fund will now be closed but the work of the invigorated membership must continue.

?There are further challenges to be faced, both financial, social and spiritual, but our experiences over recent years convince us that all things are possible.?

As part of the celebrations on reaching this milestone in the church?s centenary year, an open evening is being held at Fairplace on Thursday, December 4 -Edwardian Evening- from 6-9pm, to which everyone is warmly invited.

The church treasurers are grateful to the members for their enthusiasm and many novel, sometimes ingenious, fund-raising suggestions, all the people who have staffed the 50/50 shop which raised almost £90,000, and everyone else who helped the refurbishment fund, by contributing time or money.