A MUCH-LOVED church in Ashton-under-Lyne that has stood at the heart of the community for nearly 180 years is appealing for public support to help secure its future.
Christ Church, on Oldham Road, has long been a place of worship and connection for local residents.
But now the congregation fears it could be forced to close by the end of the decade, unless vital funds are raised.
The church adjacent to the 4C Community Centre – founded in 1846 – has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help bridge a growing financial gap and ensure its doors can remain open.
A spokesperson said: “Currently, we are operating at a shortfall of over £400 per week and money that was generously left to us is quickly running out. We estimate we have approximately four years left before we would be forced to close.”
More than just a place of worship, the congregation says the building also serves as a community hub, hosting a range of groups and activities.
“The church offers an important space for many of the community, including those who attend our Sunday service; those who use the church to gather as part of their Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA) meetings; children who come together for messy play and Sunday school; and families who worship each Wednesday.”
In a bid to reduce ongoing costs, the church is also exploring sustainable energy solutions, with plans to install solar panels.
“We are planning to install solar panels on the site as a way of reducing our operating costs and hopefully decreasing our shortfall if we are able to sell energy back to the grid,” the spokesperson added. “We have been told that we are eligible for a grant but this would only fund half of the cost.”
The fundraising campaign, launched on GoFundMe by Rachel Peynado, has already raised over £500 towards its initial £2,000 target – but much more support is needed to make a material difference.
Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/christ-church-aul