Congregation praised for saving ‘vulnerable’ church, Teesdale Mercury

A CHURCH in Teesdale has been highlighted as an example of how a historic building can be rescued by the community.

English Heritage has carried out the first sample survey into the state of repair of the region’s churches.

An estimated six per cent of listed places of worship are in need of urgent repairs in the North East.

The report said the situation could be even worse without the efforts of worshippers.

English Heritage has praised the congregation of Cockfield for saving the grade II-listed St Mary’s, which was in a “vulnerable” state.

Volunteers undertook a fundraising campaign to repair the church and applied for cash through the Repair Grants for Places of Worship scheme, run by English Heritage.

They received grants totaling £55,000, which convinced other trusts and donors to pledge money, and the works were completed in 2007.

Carol Pyrah, English Heritage regional director, said: “The building is now watertight and in a position to continue serving the local people, as it has done for over eight hundred years.

“This is down to the efforts of many people but, more than anything, the case highlights how a church, even one at ‘low ebb’, as described in its own annual report of 2004, can be rescued by positive leadership and a determination to see this work through.”

The congregation at St Mary’s dwindled and aged following the decline of the mining industry in Cockfield.

But Revd Jane Grieve said the future was now much brighter for St Mary’s.

Mrs Grieve said: “Without the initial help from the Repair Grants for Places of Worship scheme, we would no doubt still be struggling to raise funds locally, while the building continued to decay around us

“Now, not only has the building been made fit for use, but the church has begun to grow once more, and the building has also been used as a base for concerts, exhibitions, lectures and other event of benefit to the whole community.”

However, English Heritage’s survey revealed that many other churches in the region aren’t so fortunate. English Heritage suggests that about 94 per cent are in good or fair condition, but six per cent are potentially at risk.

Because it was not a full survey, details of those in need of urgent major repairs aren’t available.

But it could mean as many as 60 churches are in danger in the North East and North Yorkshire.

The survey also researched how congregations are coping with the responsibility of looking after the buildings.

Two-thirds of congregations who were questioned said that funding major repairs was a constant worry. 

The Repair Grants for Places of Worship scheme will run until at least 2013 and the Government has been urged to continue its support.

An English Heritage spokeswoman said: “That 94 per cent of places of worship in the North East are in fair condition is a huge testament to the work of their congregations. But we are also aware that other churches, chapels and temples face an uncertain future.”

In response to the survey, English Heritage has produced a guide, called Caring for Places of Worship. For details, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/powar