The Holy Trinity Cathedral building in Port-of-Spain has been closed after a decorative piece of the rafter above the organ was found on the floor last Thursday.
Saturday evening mass was held in the paved area of the Abercromby Street car park, and Sunday morning mass will also be held in the car park.
Week-day services, usually held on Fridays at noon, will continue on February 25 in the Garden of Peace, which is located at the eastern end of the church compound.
In a release on Saturday, Dean & Rector of the Anglican Diocese, the Very Reverend Shelley-Ann Tenia said following the advice of a structural engineer, no further activities would be held inside the church until restoration works can be done as there is a greater risk of additional pieces falling.
The engineer confirmed the dislodged piece of rafter was solid and in excellent condition, that one side of it showed evidence of termites. Following its displacement, the release stated, light could be seen through the roof.
Tenia said, “We are in active consultation with other Christian denominations to secure a sacred space for worship as a community. Until those arrangements are confirmed, worship on the weekend will be in our All Souls Virtual Chapel (zoom).”
She said requests for funerals and other services will be accommodated by All Saints’ in Newtown and St Agnes in Saint James, in the first instance.
They are working on raising the $15 million TT required for the commencement of phase one of the Emergency Restoration Works at the church.
Contributions can be made to the Incorporated Trustees of the Anglican Church, Holy Trinity Cathedral Restoration, First Citizens Bank, Account # 269 6950.