A £25,000 National Churches Trust Grant will help to pay for much needed community facilities for St Agatha, Sparkbrook. The money will help pay for the installation of a servery and disabled toilet, ensuring the Grade I Listed church building can thrive today and tomorrow.
Broadcaster and journalist Huw Edwards, Vice President of the National Churches Trust, said:
"I’m delighted that the magnificent parish church of St Agatha in Sparkbrook is receiving funding for modern community facilities. The installation of a servery and disabled toilet will safeguard unique local heritage and keep the building open and in use for the benefit of local people.”
“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or as 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.”
Churchwarden Colin Goodier said:
"All of us at St Agatha's church are most grateful to the National Churches Trust for this generous and strategically vital grant, which has helped to make possible a project essential for the long-term viability of our church. It will send us into Spring with joy, hope and confidence in our hearts."
Photo credit: Gareth Rainford
Twenty-one churches across the UK will stay open and in good repair thanks to £351,500 of funding awarded and recommended by the National Churches Trust in this latest round of grants.
In 2022, the National Churches Trust made over 255 grant awards to churches throughout the United Kingdom, with funding totalling more than £1.95m.
In 2023, grants continue to be available churches of any Christian denomination that are open for regular worship to fund urgent repairs, maintenance, installing loos or kitchens and feasibility studies to develop projects. Full details are on the National Churches Trust website.