Mumbai: Two weeks ago the roof of St Anthony's Church in Malwani, Malad, was opened for restoration. As they took the Mangalore tiles apart, the workers found unusual waterproofing material stuck to the roof. Old copies of 'The Times of India' dated April-December 1928 had been wedged between the rafters and covered with plaster.

Priests and parishioners gingerly tried to unfold the yellow-brown cache and found some were whole pages, others fragments. Articles on the Great Indian Peninsular Railway, the old name for Central Railway, became visible along with advertisements for Kelvinator and plastic products. Lawyers offered their services through the columns of TOI as well.

Parishioners are excited at the discovery. They say that modern materials like cement and concrete were not prevalent at the time which likely explains why newspapers were used to fill in the gap to prevent leakage.

"We had instructed the workmen to check the roof for termites, and it was they who were the first to be surprised when the old editions of TOI became visible in the rafters. This find has managed to forge a newfound sense of pride in the church's history. It may prompt more people to participate wholeheartedly in our programmes," said Richard Lasrado, an active member who heads the property and finance committee.

St Anthony's Church is located en route to INS Hamla. It is a Grade 2A heritage structure. The present building was constructed in 1834-35 although the church origins are traced to 1680. The former building was reportedly destroyed thrice during the Maratha invasion before it was rebuilt. A lifesize statue of St Anthony was imported from Portugal.

Priests say this discovery suggests that the church was last opened for repair around Christmastime in 1928. "We are not certain what to do with the papers. We may frame them as they are or take photographs depending upon the condition of the fragments. If experts can help unravel the delicate fragments we would be pleased," they said.

Restoration is expected to be complete before June when the feast of St Anthony is celebrated.

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