AN HISTORIC church in Alvechurch has been awarded £189,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore it to its former glory.
The cash will fund two thirds of the cost of the work needed to protect and conserve the church’s rich heritage.
The focus will be on completing essential works needed to restore the church tower and clock face, preserving them for future generations.
The restoration of the key historical features will also ensure the iconic tower and clock face continue to be prominent landmarks within the community.
And, as part of the project, the community – both local residents and visitors – will be encouraged to engage more deeply with the church’s architectural and cultural heritage.
The funding will also help create a sustainable future for the church, promote wider appreciation of its historical significance and ensure it remains a vital community hub for years to come.
Among the ideas being mooted, as part of the project, are for heritage workshops, guided tours and educational programmes to take place.
Rev Gail Rogers, vicar of St Laurence Church, Alvechurch, said: “We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we can restore and preserve our historic church tower and clock face, through which we aim to increase community engagement and ensure the long-term viability of St Laurence Church as both a cultural landmark, a place of worship and a community hub.”
Timely intervention
St Laurence Church is a Grade II listed building, with the tower the oldest part of the structure.
Without The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vital support, the tower would continue to decay and become unusable.
This would mean the loss of the rhythm of time marked by the clock chimes and the bells would fall silent due to the building becoming unsafe for use.
Without intervention, this treasured heritage, and rhythm could be lost forever.
By halting the current decay, this project will safeguard the architectural integrity of the church.
The church’s heritage as a central landmark in the community, with its tower dating back centuries, will be restored and protected, keeping the cultural legacy alive.
Efforts will also be made to contribute to the long-term preservation of existing natural and built resources, aligning with environmental conservation efforts.
The funding will support the development of a sustainable future for St Laurence Church by creating plans to ensure its ongoing maintenance and operation.
The church’s ability to remain a functional space for both worship and community activities will be strengthened, enhancing its role as a community hub.
And it is hoped, through improved accessibility, participation and engagement, the church will attract more visitors and increase community involvement, leading to long-term financial sustainability.
