Christ Church Cathedral in Waterford has been described as one of the finest 18th century ecclesiastical buildings in Ireland. Unlike most of Ireland's major churches and cathedrals which are Gothic in style, Christ Church, which was built in 1773, is a neoclassical Georgian building filled with natural light and a spectacular stucco plasterwork ceiling.
Many local people, however, have never been inside the John Roberts-designed building and remain largely unaware of its rare architectural features.
It is hoped this will change as a major restoration programme continues.
A significant step has been taken with the signing of a contract to restore the cathedral's historic Elliot pipe organ at a cost of £300,000. The cathedral originally cost £5,397 to build.
Mr Kenneth Jones, whose Co Wicklow-based company will undertake the task, says the organ, built by Thomas Elliot in 1815, is of international importance and is the only Elliot organ in Ireland.
Its restoration is subject to planning permission as the organ will have to be removed from its present position in a corner of the cathedral and dismantled. Mr Jones and his team will then begin the painstaking task of restoring each of the organ's 2,000 pipes.
Work is due to be completed in March 2003, after which it is intended to put the organ back in its original position in a gallery over the centre aisle.
The dean of the cathedral, the Very Rev Peter Barrett, hopes to start an annual festival of organ music with international performers.
Opening up the cathedral to such cultural events and the public is another objective.
Ms Margaret Fleming of the Sure Foundation, which is overseeing the overall conservation programme, said the local Church of Ireland community recognises it needs outside assistance to maintain the building.
Tourism is one obvious source of revenue but events such as poetry readings and concerts are also expected.
The building's excellent acoustics were remarked on by Julian Lloyd Weber who gave a cello recital there two years ago. A baroque opera is planned for next month.
"You don't raise a lot of money through events like these but they open up the place and we want it to be considered as an amenity for the whole community.
"It's not only a Church of Ireland house of worship, it's there for the people to use," said Ms Fleming.
The cathedral is open to the public seven days a week. Admission is free but there is a suggested donation of £2.50 per adult visitor, all of which goes towards the restoration.
Further information on sponsorship and donations can be obtained from the cathedral at 051-858958.
