A GRADE II listed church which stands proud in the heart of its parish is facing closure.

The Church of St Thomas at Stanley Crook, in County Durham, will hold its first regular service this Sunday after a 16-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, with the return of 10am worship on the third Sunday of the month comes news that the church could shut within five months.

The church already had an uncertain future due to dwindling congregation numbers and a struggle to meet running costs, but the pandemic could prove to be the last straw.

During the pandemic income was only £2,266 but the running costs were £4,962.

Parochial Church Council secretary Jonathan Kindleysides said with “great sadness” that the church had become "unsustainable" as finances stand it would close in January 2022.

Mr Kindleysides said: “The pandemic has had a huge effect on the finances of the parish and on the congregation.

"As with all churches and chapels, St Thomas’ is entirely funded by the efforts of the congregation.

"During the pandemic income has fallen to almost nothing. The small sums raised from holding weddings, funerals and baptisms has completely evaporated.

"Along with this, several members of the congregation are no longer able to take an active part in the life of the parish due to ill health.

"All of these factors boil down to an uncertain future for the church.

"We understand that many people will be disappointed to lose the church building.

“It will break the hearts of the congregation to close the doors for the last time.

“However, a small congregation can no longer bear the burden of funding and maintaining a church that so few want to use.”

The small congregation at St Thomas Church, Stanley Crook, say as finances stand, it could close in January 2022 Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The small congregation at St Thomas Church, Stanley Crook, say as finances stand, it could close in January 2022 Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The church on the hill – as St Thomas’ is affectionately known – is the village’s most prominent landmark and was originally built to hold about 500 parishioners but is now lucky if nine people attend a service.

If it closes there will be no place of worship left in the neighbouring communities of Stanley Crook, Sunniside and Billy Row which once had eight churches and chapels.

Members have launched a fundraising campaign, online at justgiving.com, to keep the church going until Christmas when members hopes to hold a huge service to celebrate the church.

Mr Kindleysides added: “St Thomas’ has never been a wealthy parish, always having a hand to mouth existence.

“Over the last 20 years a small congregation, of around eight people, has kept the Church plodding along.

“With dwindling numbers, the pandemic has been the final straw.

“We will be looking into all possible options before any decision is taken to close the church.

"In order to keep the church running, until Christmas, we are trying to raise money to help pay the essential bills, such as power, insurance and water rates.”

 

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