Zanzibar Cathedral

My parents were married in Christ Church Cathedral, Zanzibar, by Father Weigall of the UMCA on the 18th January, 1940. So, when we travelled to the island in 2012, one of the places we wanted to visit was the cathedral.

It was in a terrible state. From a distance we could see that its roof was covered with tarpaulin and....

....when we approached the doors the neglect was evident. The interior was even more depressing, with great cracks running down the walls caused, I now understand, by the roof being too heavy, forcing the walls aside.

However, the altar was beautiful, and it was very moving to imagine my parents standing in front of it taking their vows.

Since our visit a miracle has happened. The Friends of Zanzibar Cathedral have raised enough money to....

....put on a new roof, repair the walls of the building, pulling them back into place using steel ties, clean the exterior, and refurbish much of the interior. There is still work to do - the spire has to be cleaned, the altar area needs thousands of pounds to complete the refurbishment, and the organ needs a great deal of work.