Introduction The future preservation of St John's the Baptist Church has been secured after a £6,000 grant from the National Churches Trust as well as a further £2,000 grant from Diocese of Leeds which have contributed towards the overall costs of about £33,000 for essential external repairs to the church so it can continue to serve the local community. Main information The church has been at the heart of the community for nearly 150 years. Today, it is not only used for services, but also a space for community group meetings and as a concert venue. The work, which began in April and scheduled to complete by the beginning of June, will allow the church to be restored, preserving the longevity and structural integrity of the building for many years to come while protecting its sensitive historic fabric. The urgent repair works were identified through the PCC’s regular 5 year building inspection of the Church by their architect PPIY last year. Since then, the PCC has been busy overseeing and organising the specification of works, considering quotes from builders and applying for grant assistance. The repair works involve external masonry and re pointing works in a several places where existing stonework has eroded. Replacing iron grills and a handrail to the main entrance steps. Glazing repair works to certain windows and the replacement of window grills. Clearing out vegetation from hard to reach places such as gutters and roofs and improving drainage and the church’s rainwater goods. From the photograph, you can see that good progress is currently being made and you are always welcome to come and visit the Church to take a closer inspection of the works. Conclusion James Hobson the PCC Fabric Officer at St John the Baptist Church said “The repair work at St John the Baptist Church will help develop our long-term vision for the church that will ensure the church will continue to serve the community seven days a week. Following the roof and tower works a couple of years ago, this work continues our journey to protect the future of this historic church, and to ensure the church really can be open for all.” For further details please contact: James Hobson on hobsonjames@gmail.com www.nationalchurchestrust.org About the National Churches Trust: National Churches Trust works in partnership with churches across the UK to keep them open and in use. Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to critical community services, a warm welcome or a place to worship, we believe churches should be loved and supported, and available to all. Working together with churches across all four nations, we help to maintain these wonderful historic buildings and keep them thriving today, and tomorrow. For more information visit www.nationalchurchestrust.org Please see images on bishopmonktontoday website and the June edition of Bishop Monkton Parish Magazine
St. John the Baptist Parish Church is seeking volunteers who can assist with various duties, helping to look after and run the church and our church services. Please contact Rev’d Robb (01765 676298) or Churchwarden Andrew Carruthers (01765 677243) if you can help. We would like to find a musical director who can lead the choir who are desperate to begin practice and leading services once again. We are looking for a few extra people to lead the congregation in Intercessions during services. These are prayers offered to God on behalf of the whole congregation. Help is available on how to compose these prayers (a book is available and there is some guidance on the Church of England website). Please speak to Rev’d Robb if you think you might be interested. We also need more volunteers for the church cleaning rota. It usually works out about one week in every 6, working in pairs. Full instructions will be given. If you can spare a few hours and help us keep our church looking so beautiful, Jane Taplin (01765 677340) would be delighted to hear from you.
