Four churches share £200,000 to tackle urgent repairs

By Claudia Savage (Press Association)

A number of historic churches in Northern Ireland will receive a funding boost to tackle urgent repairs.

The National Churches Trust (NCT) will administer £200,000 to help address a range of critical structural and fabric repairs at four church buildings.

The churches that will receive the support are Mount Merrion Parish Church, Belfast; Bloomfield Presbyterian Church, Belfast; Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church, Newtownabbey; and Seymour Street Methodist Church, Lisburn.

Claire Walker, chief executive of the NCT, said the organisation is “deeply grateful” for the funding, as well as “support over the past eight years, which has made a real and lasting difference to places of worship and the communities they serve”.

She added: “These grants will fund essential works to safeguard four historic buildings, helping to keep these churches open, safe and welcoming.

“Each project reflects the dedication of local congregations and volunteers who work tirelessly to care for these important spaces.

“The National Churches Trust remains committed to supporting churches across Northern Ireland, and we look forward to continuing this work through our Medium and Large Grants programmes, helping even more places of worship to thrive at the heart of their communities.”

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “Since 2018, my department has supported the National Churches Trust via the Historic Environment Fund and through Covid recovery funding.

“The work of the NCT has been vital for places of worship in Northern Ireland, ensuring that these important buildings are cared for long into the future.

“I am pleased to be able to announce further support of £200,000 from my department for this year’s grant programme.”

The Department for Communities of Communities Minister Gordon Lyons (centre) with Kerry Rooney (left), National Churches Trust and Richard McChesney, outside Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church in Newtownabbey, as the Minister announced £200,000 in funding towards the long term sustainability of Northern Ireland's historic church buildings (photo by PA)