ST JOHN’S Church in Bromsgrove has secured more grant funding to the tune of nearly £30,000 help support the repair of its historic spire.
The church, topped by Worcestershire’s tallest spire, has been appealing for quite some time to help fund the restoration of the architectural landmark.
Now, as the church’s Spire Appeal draws to a close, the fundraiser has received another welcomed funding boost through both a National Churches Trust Grant and a Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant.
The organisers said they were delighted to have received the grants – both the National Churches Trust and the Wolfson Foundation – but added the appeal was not yet completed and there was still some way to go to reach the target.
Jo Slade, chair of trustees for Friends of St John the Baptist church, said: “We are thrilled to receive these substantial grants.
“The repairs to the spire will ensure the church can continue to provide for the community in so many different and important ways. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported this essential work.”
St John’s spire sits at 198 feet tall, more than three times as long as a cricket pitch and was largely built in the 15th century. The spire is severely cracked, caused by the central iron rod rusting.
The cracked stonework is filled with resin and strapped together to stop it falling – but an urgent solution is required to preserve the important local landmark and make the church building safe.
Latest funds will be used to remove the top 2.5 metres of the spire and replace with similar sandstone. A stainless steel rod will replace the current iron one.
The repairs will help remove the church from the Heritage at Risk Register with work expected to begin in early spring 2025.
Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, said: “The National Churches Trust is delighted to be able to support St John the Baptist church.
“Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help to keep the church building open and serving local people.”
Thanks to a significant National lottery Heritage Fund Grant of almost £250,000 and extensive other fundraising efforts, the Spire Appeal has now raised X for the restoration project.
Paul Ramsbottom, chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said: “While churches are primarily places of worship, they also serve as vital community landmarks.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the National Churches Trust to ensure these cherished buildings and conserved and restored for future generations to experience and enjoy.”
CORRECTION: The Standard previously understood that the Spire Appeal had reached its fundraising target of just over £430,000. This is not the case and the Friends of St John’s are still fundraising.
