The Parish Church of St. Thomas, Stockport

 

Restoration & Fundraising

The building still needs considerable restoration work to windows and stonework. We are engaged in a phased programme with English Heritage, and so far it has been completely reroofed, and has new rainwater goods at a cost of over £175,000. The upper part of the tower, and the clock faces have also recently (2006 ) been repaired and restored, at a cost of £160,000 +, making a total raised of over £300,000 !

 

The Church Council are anxious to ensure that maximum use is made of this Parish Church, and as well as maintaining the worship services, proposes some reordering of the interior to facilitate its use for concerts etc. to create toilet and kitchen facilities, and enlarge the entrance area, and open out the front (the Chancel) to provide a staged area, but to keep the whole very much as the original architect, George Basevi, intended. With its seating capacity of 1000 it could provide Stockport, and indeed the region with a superb Georgian venue for concerts.

 

Fund raising is ongoing and if you would like to be involved, please contact us.

 

The fund for the provision of toilets is the Flush Fund!

 

The primary purpose of the Church is to be a Christian witness to the people of the parish, to serve them by prayer, worship and service. Setting aside a holy place where God is worshipped and glorified, where the love of Jesus is proclaimed, and experienced and his presence is known. Fortunately there are dedicated people deeply committed to ensuring that St. Thomas's does this, but the upkeep costs are phenomenal and financial and practical help is always welcome. It costs about £870 per week to keep St Thomas' open.

 

Pictures by Phil Rowbotham