Fisherman’s Church rescued by anonymous builder

By Benny Davis

JAVEA’S landmark church, Nuestra Señora de Loreto, designed to resemble the keel of a boat bursting through the waves to a safe haven, was itself heading for the rocks until an unnamed construction company took over the helm.

Known throughout Spain as the ‘Fishermans Church’ this unique architectural masterpiece situated in Javea harbour, has been an essential part of the community since it was built in 1967 and is used today by many nationalities and organisations, including the British Legion for the annual Poppy Day service.

Unfortunately, behind the scenes, the fabric of the church has been suffering serious deterioration, amplified by its marine location exposed to extreme winter and summer conditions including the corrosive effects of salt and seagull droppings.

A survey of the building revealed it presented a serious risk to life through a weakened upper structure and fire risk due to an obsolete electrical installation.

Experts also revealed that the upper boat supports needed to be replaced before it was safe for any work to commence on the roof itself.

Thanks to the anonymous builders, the work that included the installation of sea air resistant metalwork, anti-reflective glass, bird-deterrent wires, guttering, window frames and a new service gangway around the roof interior, has now been completed, without any bank guarantee’s of full payment – a little miracle in this age of austerity, doom and gloom.

The church is again up and running, but the little matter of a raising outstanding costs of €150,000, still has to addressed.

Now it’s the turn of the people of the parish to make their voices heard and prove integration between local and foreign residents really does work, especially when there is a common goal.

Parishioners fund raising activities have been underway for some time, but the ‘big-bucks’ agenda will be launched on Sunday July 1st with a ‘LoretoFest’ in the port square, opposite the ‘Ghurka Palace restaurant.

The ‘Fest’ will kick-off at 9.30am with home baking for that late alfresco breakfast, plus other food offerings and shop early for Christmas opportunities through a cornucopia of stalls offering bric-a-brac, arts, crafts and many other goodies. Many more activities are being discussed for the months ahead.

*After discussions between the EWN an intermediary and Loreto church principals, it was agreed that the generous gesture made by the construction company was above and beyond the call of duty and deserved public recognition. On behalf of the church, the community, local government and past and future visitors, the EWN would like to thank ALUPAL SL Construction of Palmera for exclusively allowing us to publish their identity and proving that