Oldham church gets £20,000 grant for major repair works

The St Mary the Immaculate Conception church in Failsworth is currently unsafe due to cracking in the concrete which has made the church unstable to the point where parts of the building are now cordoned off to protect people against the risk of falling concrete. 

Due to the decay, the stained glass windows of the Grade II listed building have also been endangered.

The concrete around the stained glass windows has began to crack (Image: National Churches Trust)

The church's stained glass windows form a key part of the historic church’s listing status and were part of this church’s predecessor built in the 1840s, but damaged in 1868 by anti-Catholic Murphy Riots.

The original church was eventually closed in the 1950s, with St Mary’s built in 1967 on a nearby site, but the new structure maintained the original stained glass a key part of the new building. 

Now, a £20,000 National Churches Trust Grant will help to pay for urgent repairs to the stonework, particularly the concrete around the windows, which will help to preserve the integrity of the windows for years to come and making the church safe again.

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A spokesperson for St Mary the Immaculate Conception church, said: "This grant is a real lifeline for the preservation of our stunning stained-glass window, which is a much-loved feature of our church and a wonderful reminder of the history and heritage of our parish and local community.”

“Our parish is truly honoured to be seen as a place of welcome and community for much of the Failsworth area, bringing together in friendship people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds within the walls of our church. We are delighted that this funding will enable us to continue offering a safe place to gather and worship, whilst preserving the unique beauty of our church." 

As well as being a local landmark, St Mary's, based on Clive Road, is a lifeline to many in the community, as it runs a food pantry helping some of the most disadvantaged people in and around Failsworth.

The new St Mary's was built in 1967 (Image: National Churches Trust)

Once the urgent repair works have been completed, the congregation of St Mary’s will look to further improve the facilities within the church by creating a more welcoming space for all who need it.   

St Mary's will look to develop a community garden, which will include beehives, with the church also planning to provide community programmes to train people as beekeepers.  

Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said:  "The National Churches Trust is delighted to be able to support St Mary the Immaculate Conception church to enable them to carry out urgent stonework repairs to their beautiful building. Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help to keep the church building open and serving local people.”  

“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”