Ten places of worship from across Yorkshire are celebrating this month after receiving a share of £74,000 to help towards the cost of repairs and maintenance work.
The much needed funds will help a range of churches and chapels continue to offer warm and dry spaces for both worship and an increasing number of local community services.
One church receiving funds is St Stephen’s in Lindley, a Grade II church, built 1828-1830.
The church is in need of urgent repair works to stop water leaking and causing further damage to the building, and the YHCT were delighted to award £8000 towards the repairs.
Church members and the community have worked hard to fundraising to help with the costs, with the vicar raising over £2000 undertaking a daring abseil!
St Stephen’s is a vibrant community church, hosting a number of events including a lunch for the elderly every month and is used for concerts by various choirs, orchestras and bands.
Priest in Charge Revd Abbie Palmer said: “We are so grateful to have received the support of YHCT to help us realise this project. With the building nearing its 200th anniversary, we want to ensure this beautiful, well-loved and well-used building is saved from further water damage and can be used to serve God’s mission here in Lindley for many years to come. This funding brings us closer to realising that vision”.
Tom Ramsden, Chairman of the YHCT said: “Thanks to the generosity of our Friends and donors, we have been able to support a wide range of places of worship. Over the past few years we have witnessed the important role churches play in bringing their local communities together and helping them thrive. Now, more than ever, they need our help to ensure those churches continue to support their communities for many years to come”.