An open meeting will this month discuss ways to support a historic parish church in Stanningley, which have been the focal point of the community since 1841.
Volunteers at St Thomas Church, in Stanningley, are encouraging people to attend to discuss how St Thomas can continue into the future.
They’re planning to set up a Friends of St Thomas group to support the church and carry out fundraising to support growing repair costs, which include a cracked main archway over the altar.
Volunteers at the church would like to open the building up to become a wider community hub at different times of the week, including running a pay as you feel cafe.
A church spokesperson said they wanted to get the wider community involved – and said interest in joining a ‘Friends of’ group had so far come from as far away as America. The spokesperson added:
“The church has seen generations come and go. It has been – and still is – a gathering place for so many people in times of sorrow and joy and is steeped in Stanningley’s history.
“The church and its graveyard have been lovingly cared for over the years, mainly by its congregation. Alas, today’s maintenance costs are more than they can handle on their own.”
An open meeting will be held at St Thomas Church, on Stanningley Town Street at the junction of Leeds and Bradford Road and Stanningley Road, on Thursday, 31 March at 7.30pm.
Anyone interested in becoming part of the ‘Friends’ group is welcome to attend.