A Hove church has received an Easter boost with the award of a grant towards the £120,000 cost of vital restoration work.
All Saints, on the corner of The Drive and Eaton Road, has been given a National Churches Trust Cornerstone Grant of £40,000 to help restore the building’s two east towers.
Despite the challenges of the coronavirus crisis, the church hopes that the urgent project can be completed by September.
It is part of a bigger scheme to preserve the fabric of the sandstone building which has cost more than £250,000 over the past three years.
The vicar of All Saints, Father Ryan Green, said: “We are extremely thankful for the generosity of the National Churches Trust in assisting us in this very significant restoration project.
“All Saints is a grade I listed building of national significance and the state of our east towers has recently meant that our heritage has been at risk.”
Father Ryan said, who became the vicar almost three years ago, said: “The columns fell off the south side in my first year.”
As a result, the restoration plans had to be rescheduled around the more urgent remedial work.
He said: “The building is an absolute gem. But it is fragile and we live with that day to day. The money we are spending is an investment in our life together. We do have to look after it.
“The bishop describes it as the biggest sandcastle in Sussex. It’s an amazing crumbly old building.
“But one of our biggest challenges as a church is being accessible and forward looking and being there for our community.”
Father Ryan added: “This is the end of the emergency work that we need to do. I’m very grateful for the generosity of the parish community and these amazing grant-making organisations over the past three years.
“We can now stabilise our towers and look to the future as we continue to be a gathering place for our community to experience the beauty and mystery of God and to feel the embrace of his inclusive love.”
Church wardens Ann Joyce and Adrian Herbert said: “This is brilliant news that has alleviated a great deal of anxiety, particularly at this difficult time, that will ensure the continuation of a wonderful church and its vibrant community in Hove. We are most grateful to the National Churches Trust.”
Correctly, it is All Saints’.