HIGHGATE, St Mary — Highgate Friends Church, a historic Quaker place of worship established in 1941, is rallying to raise $5 million for a new roof, even as it is facing a collapsing floor.

The church has a rich history of giving back, having established Highgate Continuation School (for boys) and Lyndale Girls’ Home many years ago. At the school, boys were taught life skills while Lyndale provided a safe haven for troubled girls as they continued their education and learned basic skills, including dressmaking, baking, and farming.

“The church has had a long history of involvement in education and community building. It’s just a pity we do not [still] operate the Highgate boys’ school or the Lyndale girls’ home. Both were closed with the emergence of the high schools in the area and lack of funding for the girls’ home,” chairman of Friends Church’s District 14 Edwin Coleman told the Jamaica Observer.

After years of giving back, Highgate Friends Church — now in its time of need — is counting on community support. Plans are afoot to host a fish fry to raise funds needed for roof repairs.

“The fish fry will be the first fund-raising activity for which we have gotten pledges from our overseas partners; but we are doing what we can in the meantime,” said Coleman.

A recent $25,000 donation from philanthropist Judy Jackson has boosted their efforts. She is known for her sponsorship of summer camps held on church grounds and called Judy Camp in her honour.

“Miss Jackson has always been a friend of the church. She has shown her generosity to us in cash and kind and we always appreciate it,” Coleman said.

The church itself runs other community programmes, including providing breakfast ahead of Sunday School. Though their numbers are modest, members of Highgate Friends Church’s dwindling congregation are optimistic about restoring the building to its former glory and continuing to serve the community.

— Ingrid Henry

The damaged roof of Highgate Friends Church .

Inside view of the damaged roof of Highgate Friends Church.

The building is roofless and the floor is collapsing, but the sign that proudly identifies Highgate Friends Church remains.