Historic Lancashire Church Receives Major Funding for Restoration
(Photo: Ronnie Semley for Blackburn Diocese)
In a significant development for the preservation of historic sites in England, Immanuel Church in Oswaldtwistle has been awarded a £250,000 grant by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This funding aims to facilitate crucial repairs on the church’s roof, ensuring the longevity of one of the town’s most venerable buildings.
Dating back to 1836-37, Immanuel Church is a Grade II-listed structure and an integral part of the Parish of Oswaldtwistle. The church serves not only as a place of worship but also as a hub for various community events, including ceremonies such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
Church leaders are optimistic that the restoration project will not only preserve a vital piece of local heritage but also foster community engagement through educational programs and heritage events.
Wendy Hope, Churchwarden at Immanuel Church, expressed her gratitude for the funding, stating, “We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players we can restore and preserve the church for generations to come.”
Highlighting the significance of the grant, the Venerable Jane Atkinson, Archdeacon of Blackburn, remarked, “This funding will help to ensure the building can continue to be a space of welcome, worship and connection for generations to come. I’m excited to see how it enables even more people to be part of its story in the future as the church continues to share the good news of Jesus Christ.”
This financial aid arrives at a critical juncture for historic churches in England, many of which face escalating maintenance costs and funding challenges for essential repairs.
Recently, the National Churches Trust (NCT) criticized changes to government support for listed places of worship. The previous Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which reimbursed VAT on repair work, has been replaced by a more limited funding program.
The NCT has voiced concerns that churches are now burdened with full VAT charges on restoration efforts, despite their role as community assets and preservers of heritage collections.
With financial pressures mounting, particularly in smaller communities with limited fundraising capabilities, the grant for Immanuel Church stands out as a much-needed boost. It underscores the vital role of charitable and lottery funding in safeguarding the United Kingdom’s ecclesiastical heritage.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
