A CHURCH which is believed to date back more than 1,000 years has received support from a local MP after an ambitious fundraising appeal to raise cash for urgent roof repairs took a step forward.
Grade I-listed St John’s Church, a cherished heritage building at the heart of Penistone, needs to raise another £35,000 on top of the £140,000 already generated to fund an all-new canopy following a costly lead theft almost 20 years ago.
In an effort to protect the building, felt was installed as a temporary measure but given it’s been failing, a huge fundraising drive was launched in order to protect its future and save it from water ingress.
That’s now been backed by Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Marie Tidball, who urged locals to dig deep on the final stretch after more than £40,000 was raised in the last several months.
She said: “One church or another has stood at St John’s location in the centre of Penistone since the Anglo-Saxon times.
“Following the theft of lead from its roof in 2007, volunteers across Penistone have been raising the funds required to provide a permanent fix for the roof, which requires highly specialist work due to the church’s status as a Grade I-listed building.
“The church are in the final stretch to raise what’s required before winter to fix the roof.
“Following concentrated efforts over the past few months, this means those involved with the church have raised over £40,000 towards their £75,000 goal, leaving £35,000 left to raise.
“It is such an important place right at the heart of Penistone - I’ve been coming here since I was a child.
“It’s a treasured part of the community and it holds so much heritage within its walls.”
There have been several structures across the century, with it having been previously destroyed by William the Conqueror in 1069 during the ‘harrying’ of the north.
It was rebuilt in the 13th century, with further work taking place on the building, including the tower, in the 16th century.
Reverend David Hopkin, oversight minister at St John’s, added: “The church has stood as a beacon of hope and unity in Penistone for many years.
“The support we have received so far has been incredible and I am confident that, together, we can overcome this challenge.
“This roof is not just about preserving a building, it’s about safeguarding a place where our community comes together in times of joy and sorrow.
“I urge everyone to contribute in any way they can to help us reach our goal.
“This appeal is crucial to preserving the fabric of the building, which has been a cornerstone of our community for generations.”
