Historic Wellington Church launches “Donate a Slate” appeal

Essential work to secure both the fabric and safety of Christ Church in New Church Road will cost £168,000.

English Heritage, through the Heritage Lottery Fund, has offered a grant of £105,000 with the remainder to be raised by the parish. It is one of eight grade II listed buildings to receive English Heritage Grants in 2010.

But due to “bats in the belfry,” the work on the roofs and tower cannot begin until the late Autumn when the bat breeding season is over.

An early Victorian Gothic-revival church in the Diocese of Lichfield, Christ Church is on the doorstep of the Ironbridge World Heritage Site and was designed by Thomas Smith of Madeley in the style of his earlier church in Ironbridge.

Dating from 1838, Christ Church features local yellow brickwork, slate roofs, a prominent tower, wide nave and a chancel re-styled in memory of the Prince Consort.

Vicar Rev Vaughan Sweet said: “We are thankful and amazed that the grant is so high, especially in the present economic climate. Without this support we may have been forced to close the building in the near future because of public safety concerns.”

The grant will be used towards the work to replace the original main and tower roof and effect essential and extensive repairs to the stone work of the tower.

Following structural repairs, the church plans to re-order the interior space to provide a flexible worship space also suitable for concerts and conferences, alongside a social area including toilets, kitchen, eating area and small meeting rooms.

Members of the parish and others are being invited to donate one or more slates at £5 per slate in memory of a loved one or in celebration of a special event such as a wedding or baptism.

It is hoped the public will respond generously to the “Donate a Slate” appeal to ensure this lovely church continues to be a place worship, outreach and service to the local community and a prominent landmark on the skyline of Wellington. Details of donations made will be recorded on a commemorative scroll to be stored in the church.

A church open day will be held on Saturday (June 25th) from 10am to 4pm. For more information visit the parish website www.oneparish.org.uk