Bell Tower Shaft

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The bell tower access shaft is located within the pier just to the right of the bell tower. The shaft is about 1.5m square and was originally fitted with an open ladder. The new safety ladder provides rest sections and proection by means of safety rings. The shaft provides access to two chambers. The first chamber is positioned just above the chevron of the front doors and is basically a storage point for roof tiles. The second chamber located just under the bell tower provides access to two gangways that span the inner attic and ceiling supports. This chamber also provides a short access shaft to the bell tower.

Bell Tower

The Bell tower consists of narrow openings in theme with the buildings' shape and windows. The bell itself sits on a steel frame, complete with its original flywheel. The bell is now rung automatically by an electronic hammer. Etched on the Bell is the manufacturers name and location: "Johnston Croydon" and "Christ King 1930".

Attic

The attic houses a complex series of steel supports that support the roof and suspended ceiling. Seven steel trusses span the width of the church and are postioned at various points from front to rear. These form the profile of the stepped ceiling, skylight and overhead roof. The trusses are further reenforced by cross beams that run along the ceiling and roof connecting each of the trusses. Two wooden gangways run alongside the ceiling apex providing a useful means of accessing the ceiling structure and light fittings. In the distance, you can see one of the attic access doors and the short ladder to the bell tower.

Ceiling Apex Lighting

Lighting is suspended in pairs of powerful spotlights positioned at intervals along the ceiling apex. The image to the left shows some of the original 150W light fittings which were present over each of the glass slots The glass panes are new double-glazed windows used to provide better heat insulation. In addition, the entire ceiling surface is lagged with fibre-glass wool to reduce as much heat loss as possible. You will notice one of the glass panes has a particular layout of smaller panes. This is a reproduction of the original pane that was used to suspend the sanctuary light.

Roof

The Roof structure is largely defined by the seven steel trusses and cross supports. These are covered by wooden panes and roof tiles. The glass skylight provides a generous feed of natural light downward through the attic apex and into the church

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