PASSIONATE volunteers have invited the people of Todmorden to a celebration event to mark the re-opening of a historical church.
Todmorden Unitarian Church is one of only a handful of churches and chapels in the country to re-open its doors and to celebrate there will be a party starting at 3pm this Saturday, September 6.
Afternoon tea will be on offer as Todmorden Orchest
ra and Todmorden Choral Society entertain visitors.
Mary Clear, one of the enthusiastic volunteers, said they had christened the event the ‘first flush party’ as they celebrate the installation of toilets for the first time in the grade one listed building’s history.
“The new facilities extend the opportunities for its use and will mean that the building is now available as a venue for meetings or conferences, as well as all the events already taking place here.
“It is being used for all sorts of things. Last week we had a pet blessing; we’ve had rock ‘n’ roll bingo and next month we will host the alternative harvest festival for Incredible Edible Todmorden.”
A small group of volunteers has driven forward the re-birth of this historic building, which is owned by the Historic Chapels Trust.
“We have a new congregation, who meet at 7.30pm on the last Thursday of every month. Everyone is welcome to these meditative services.
“We plan to have the building re-registered as a church so we’ll be able to do weddings again.
“We are one of only a small number of churches in the whole country that has re-opened.”
Mary said the small group of volunteers would welcome anyone who would like to get involved.
“We’re only a small group but we are so passionate about this beautiful building, which offers an open green space in the centre of the town.”
Close to £1 million has been spent on the building over the last 15 years on major works including the repair of the roofs and porch; the eradication of dry rot; restoration of the stained glass, including the west rose window and the Belgian Capronnier glass in the chancel; repair of the World War I alabaster war memorial; restoration of the clock in the tower along with its famous six-tune carillon and the tower interior itself, as well as repairs of external features and the grounds.
The building also now boasts new facilities such as modern heating, an electrical system, a kitchen, a security system and toilets.
A significant amount of the restoration costs for the church, which was designed by architect John Gibson and built between 1864 and 1869, were funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage.
James Gregory, chairman of Todmorden Pride, is now a member of the Historic Chapels Trust board in London, ensuring Todmorden has a voice at the national level.
And now the people of Todmorden will be able to look forward to concerts, recitals, walks, talks, film shows and tours at the revamped venue.
