Worshippers have been “very warmly welcomed” at their temporary home after St Mary’s Church in Astbury was forced to close for three months to help reduce soaring costs.
The doors of the 13th century Grade I listed building closed after Christmas, and until the end of March the congregation will be joining fellow worshippers at St John’s Church in Smallwood.
As previously reported, St Mary’s requires more than £1 million of “essential” repairs, including “urgent” work to the roof, and has launched a fundraising appeal.
It has already received support from Congleton’s own superstar singer Russell Watson, whose fundraising concerts will help pay for new lighting, a sound system and security cameras. But far more will be needed to secure St Mary’s future for generations to come.
Writing in February’s edition of “Astbury and Smallwood Parish News”, the rector of Astbury, the Rev Heather Carter, said St Mary’s worshippers had been “very warmly welcomed” at St John’s and that “folks from both churches have commented on how much they are enjoying this brief sojourn away from St Mary’s”.
She added: “It’s a difficult thing to have change — to move buildings and mix with another set of people, to not have our ‘own’ pew and space, different ways of being and doing worship. Yet we gather to worship God, wherever that may take us.”
Although the journey between the two churches is only a few minutes’ drive along the A34, Child’s Lane and Congleton Road, Ms Carter said recent readings at the congregation’s temporary home had had “much to say” about journeys — from the Wise Men guided by a star, to Jesus’ time in the wilderness, and the moment he called his disciples into a “new journey of ministry”.
“Their story reminds church families that faith is learned together — through shared meals, questions, service and following Jesus one step at a time,” she wrote.
Turning to the current challenges, Ms Carter said: “Both St Mary’s and St John’s have significant building maintenance to do this year. Listed buildings are always very expensive to maintain and repair. We are rightly very proud of both churches and want to do our very best to keep them open. Yet we also see the decline in numbers and are aware of many people’s struggles with rising costs in their own lives.
“This journeying time gives us space to stop and reflect on how important these buildings are and what lies ahead in keeping them fit for purpose and financially viable. So whether you are able to worship with us at St John’s or are waiting until we all return, please continue to pray for our churches, our ministry team and our Parochial Church Councils as we look ahead to find ways to keep these buildings alive.
“Thank you so much for your support and prayers during this time of uncertainty.”
St Mary’s is due to reopen for services on Palm Sunday (29th March).
Meanwhile, St Mary’s Church in Sandbach is facing its own challenge of raising enough money for a new roof, as reported in our Sandbach edition on Thursday.
It too is appealing for funding — £186,000 — and without it “the fabric of the building – and the activities it supports – are at risk”, vicar the Rev Bee Boyd said.
The leak is so severe in one of the three roof sections that buckets are needed to catch the rainwater pouring through. As a result, worshippers have to sit on plastic bags because the chairs are so “soggy”.
But in a setback, St Mary’s Sandbach has been advised that planning permission would not be granted for the required work because it would not fit with “heritage ideals”.
On a more positive note, Mrs Boyd said the number of worshippers at St Mary’s was growing and that young people were now attending, “partly because people are concerned about the state of the world and are looking for answers”.
(Photo: Barry Knapper).
