Restored Saddleworth Church window shines the light on future plans

Heroic efforts by a committed community have helped turn a dream into a colourful reality on an iconic parish church’s long road to restoration.

Three years ago, parishioners and supporters set out to raise £150,000 in their Seeing is Believing campaign to clean and restore the ancient Saddleworth Church east window.

Now, thanks to generous donations from the Saddleworth community and St Chads reserves, the stained glass and stonework has been completed. 

This was celebrated at a rededication of the window by Reverend Canon Sharon Jones, Team Rector of Saddleworth, on Sunday.

She said: “This is testament to the huge significance of the church within the history and life of the community, and demonstrates a desire to restore it for future generations. 

“One million pounds is still needed for urgent roof repairs and the restoration and reordering of the interior for community use, including toilet facilities and disabled access.”

The church will be open to the public on Wednesday (September 23) from 11am-6pm.

Covid restrictions are in place, so please wear a mask.

It will also open on other Wednesdays between now and Christmas. Dates to be confirmed.

Follow updates on the Saddleworth Church Facebook page.

Work on the great east window started three years ago and church leaders are looking to develop further ideas. 

At the time, Rev Canon Jones said: “Work on historic buildings is never straightforward, but we hope this element of work should in no way detract from the level of effort still required to save Saddleworth Church. 

“The building still requires somewhere in the region of £1million to save it for future generations.

"As a custodian of the history of Saddleworth it remains significant to the community.”

Known as the ‘Parish on the Moor’ the church is registered by Historic England as a Grade Two building ‘at risk’ and was rebuilt in 1831-33, on the hillside above the village of Uppermill. 

There has been a place of worship dedicated to St Chad on the current site for 800 years.

To donate, please follow the links via the cofeinsaddleworth.org.uk website.

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