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The appeal

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Angel's head in glass'The Friends of the Glass Church' has been established under the patronage of Lieutenant General Andrew Ridgway CB CBE, His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey, to raise funds for the restoration of the uniquely important and world-renowned building to ensure its long-term future.

The work commences

This will be the initial phase in the creation of a local and international centre of worship and healing at St Matthew's Church. 'None of Lalique's achievements is more inventive or beautiful than the miraculous  transformation of St Matthew's Church.'  David Watkin, Professor of the History of Architecture, University of Cambridge.

Our goal

St Matthew's is seeking to raise the sum of one million pounds to complete an ambitious restoration programme that will seek to bring back this unique example of an art deco building coupled with René Lalique's heavy clouded glass to its former glory. We seek to do the very best in this restoration for God, those who come to St Matthew's to worship and visit, and for Jersey.

The church has already raised sufficient funds to re roof the building and to complete much of stage 1 of a five stage restoration programme, but would be so grateful for your help to assist in completing the balance of the work.

The main work-an overview

The following outlines the main work that needs undertaking:

Conserve the Lalique glass and the metal support structures

  • Restore the bell housing and the bells
  • Replace the electrical wiring
  • Modernise the lighting
  • Replace the central heating
  • internal redecoration
  • landscape the surroundings

Become a part of the project

The Friends invite you to consider how you might wish to become a part of this important work.

The vicar and wardens have invited a local architect with art deco expertise – Axis Mason – to project manage the restoration work, and to engage, as required, other experts to assist with the work. Wherever possible, local craftsmen are being utilised to carry out the work. The restoration work is expected to commence in early Autumn and will take approximately two to three years to complete.