A GRADE II listed church in Taunton will receive a share of £496,625 funding for urgent roof repairs.
The £10,000 National Churches Trust Grant will help to pay for the work at Temple Methodist Church on Upper High Street ensuring the building will avoid further structural damage.
The church building is used by over 100 different groups and activities throughout the year, with 500 guests using the building each week.
Temple Methodist Church not only hosts the largest indoor concert space in Taunton – seating 700 people – and offers the space for musicians and festivals to enhance community life, but also it hosts an NHS clinic every fortnight.
Fixing the roof will make the church an even more welcoming space for the many people using this building throughout the week.
Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, said: "The National Churches Trust is excited to be able to support Temple Methodist church to enable them to carry out urgent roof repairs to their 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.”
Reverend Deborah Kirk, superintendent minister of Temple, said: “The south-facing roof has deteriorated to the extent that in bad weather, leaks risk damaging the structure and decoration of the church.
“Members and friends have given over £80,000 towards the cost of a new slate roof, with additional insulation to become more thermally efficient.
“We are very grateful for the financial support from National Churches Trust to help us maintain this lovely building for worship and outreach to the community.
“The church is a lovely Grade II Listed building, which in addition to services and activities for the congregation, is greatly used by community groups with up to 500 people each week passing through its doors.”
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