Let there be light – church launches appeal after theft

Well-wishers have rallied round to pay a historic church’s electricity bill after its donations box was ransacked.

The box, with a slot in the top and left on a table next to the visitor’s book, was forced open and five months worth of donations were stolen sometime around December 15 at Lismore Parish Church, shocking the tiny island’s congregation.

But in just one day, a crowdfunding appeal seeking £1,246 to pay the church’s upcoming electricity bill hit its target with donations exceeding £2,000 and growing.

The loss of donations was ‘a devastating set back’ in the island’s efforts to keep the building going, but minister of the cathedral church of St Moluag, the Reverend Dr Iain Barclay, said the congregation would ‘rise above it’.

As well as bills, all paid by the community and visitors’ generosity, the listed building church where islanders have worshipped since the 13th century is also in need of urgent repairs.

Session clerk Mary MacDougall who discovered the theft said: ‘It was such a downer just before Christmas but we realise now we should have been more vigilant and from now on the donation box will be emptied every week.

‘We have been totally blown away by the support we’ve had and how many people our appeal has reached - both in this area and abroad, people we know and people we don’t know.’

The crowdfunding appeal was the idea of Iris Piers and Laura Cook.

Rev Barclay told The Oban Times: ‘We never actually though the donations box would be vulnerable because of the nature of the island and the people who come to visit the church for their own special reasons.

‘It’s all very sad and it leaves a bad taste in the mouth but we will rise above it. It’s wonderful news so many people have come forward to help.’

The missing money was discovered as the church hosted its first Christmas tree festival.

One online wellwisher who sent in a donation said: ‘We’ve enjoyed the beauty and hospitality of Lismore many times, as well as visited the lovely church. Happy to donate to offset the greed of those who would steal from a church.’

Mrs MacDougall, who reported the theft to police, said: ‘We now have enough money to pay our electricity bill and what’s left over will go towards the major repairs we need.’

A survey on the church roof is needed as well as an investigation into damp creeping through the walls.

To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ isleoflismorechurch

‘It’s wonderful news so many people have come forward to help’