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Small church, big effort
by Margaret Duggan
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IT IS a small and ancient church in the north of York diocese, with a regular congregation of about 20, says the Revd Rachel Harrison (right in photo), Vicar of St Cuthbert’s, Wilton, but they have managed to raise more than £42,000 to build a small extension on the north porch to house a kitchenette and a disabled lavatory. This, she tells me, extends the use of the church building, and increases the number of people who now find it easier to come. The church school, for instance, is a mile away, and it has been difficult to bring the children to church because there was no lavatory. The same problem occurred with concerts. Now, on all social occasions, they can even serve light refreshments. |
%231%23.jpg) | It has taken the congregation nearly six years to raise the money “by all the usual means: coffee mornings, concerts, sponsored events — they have worked very hard, and loyally”. There was also a generous donation from their industrial neighbours, Teesside Power Limited. The modest scheme was costly because the extension had to be built in a particular stone to blend in with the medieval building. They held their thanksgiving service on the exact 100th anniversary of the thanksgiving for the last renovation of St Cuthbert’s, and the church was packed to its capacity of 98 people. Afterwards, there was a party, and Mrs Harrison and her Reader, Christine Hill, cut a celebration cake with the image of the church in icing (above). |
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