Christ Church Reconstruction Delayed Indefinitely

The reconstruction of a Cobble Hill church damaged by lightning over the summer has been stalled due to incomplete design materials, according to a representative of the diocese.

After inquiring with Rev. Shawn P. Duncan, Canon for Media and Mission at the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, on the status of the Christ Church Cobble Hill renovations, Patch was told the church could not provide a detailed reconstruction update—blaming the delays on a lack of designs to work from.

"We are in the process of obtaining reconstruction design documents so that we can get a real handle on the reconstruction costs," said Reverend Duncan in an e-mail. "Without that information we are greatly impaired in our decision-making."

The Christ Church Cobble Hill building has been closed since July 26, when lighting struck its steeple, causing debris to fall through the roof and claiming the life of one passerby. Afterward, the church was ordered by the city to remove 70 feet of stone from their iconic 117-foot-steeple.

Efforts to reach Father Ron Lau as of press time were unanswered. He has previously stated that he has been asked to refer all questions on the matter to Reverend Duncan. Linden Tree Prescool services continue at the Carroll Street offices, however. And in his latest update to the LTP website, dated Nov. 16, 2012, Father Lau wrote that while work on the site was delayed by Hurricane Sandy, the structure did not sustain any further damages due to the storm.

"In the meantime, a group of neighbors and concerned persons have formed a group known as The Friends of Christ Church, Cobble Hill, Inc," wrote Lau, adding that they were granted domestic not-for-profit corporate status and were in the process of "applying for exemption under Internal Revenue Section 501(c)(3) so that they can collect funds which will be tax deductible to any donors." 

A peek behind the plywood fence surrounding the Christ Church earlier this week revealed that in addition to blue tarps protecting open areas of the roof, piles of rubble still litter the church's courtyard and abutting sidewalk. While all debris has been removed from the interior, according to Lau's post, there is now a hole in stone floor that is one of multiple necessary repairs. 

When pressed for more information, "our architect has to create design and construction documents, which is in process," was all Reverend Duncan would comment.

Stay with Patch for updates.