In 2022 the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust awarded £5000 to Stones Methodist Church in Ripponden towards repairs to the roof and West elevation as part of a wider programme of major repairs and renovations. The award was the first external grant the church received, and this early endorsement proved to be a pivotal moment in the church’s development journey. It gave credibility and confidence to subsequent funders, ultimately unlocking an impressive £700,000 in total funding.
The initial support from the YHCT set the foundation for a comprehensive redevelopment project that is now complete. The building has been transformed—made watertight, warm, greener in energy use, more secure, and flexible in layout. These changes ensure the church is fit for purpose for many generations to come.
Dave Hill Project Manager at Stones said “Stones Methodist Church really needed investment to secure its future and YHCT were the first external funder who heard our story and backed us by providing a grant. I’ve learnt that raising funds is like a snowball, it starts small then gains momentum and gets bigger. Once a ‘funder’ takes that first step it gives other funders the confidence to join the cause, so we are so grateful that YHCT saw our vision and started our financial snowball rolling to enable the transformation of the building at Stones Methodist Church”
The completion of the works has revitalised the building, Stones Methodist Church is now a thriving hub of activity, with over 300 visitors per week attending a range of community events including a community café, keep fit classes, guitar group, craft group, lunch club, regular quiz nights, book club and more recently it has become a venue for a group of locals to meet for a regular ‘soundbath’.
The YHCT were delighted to support the church, recognising the wonderful example it showed of how churches are so much more than places of worship. From foodbanks to credit unions and toddler groups to lunch clubs, places of worship provide a growing list of essential services for people in need. They help communities thrive and survive!
The YHCT are welcoming applications for the next round of funding up until Friday 22 August – details of how to apply and the support available to applicants can be found here: https://www.yhct.org.uk/grants/
More information about Stones Methodist Church can be found on the website at www.stonesmethodistchurch.org.uk