New blueprint to save ancient Cornish church
An imaginative scheme is under way to save one of the country's most important churches.
People from the village of St Germans, in South East Cornwall, have formed a trust to raise millions of pounds to restore their parish church.
St Germans Priory Trust has been set up to turn the historic building into a community centre as well as a place of worship.
The trustees are hoping to raise millions of pounds to restore and modernise the Grade I-listed building.
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With the support of the Bishop of Truro, the Right Reverend Tim Thornton, enthusiastic local volunteers have developed a ground-breaking plan.
Their vision is to turn the priory and surrounding grounds into a community resource, visitor attraction and educational centre providing: a unique learning environment for schools from across the county; a focus for historic and archeological research; opportunities to learn about the origins of Christianity in Cornwall; exciting trails and projects for children; and a new tourist destination.
St Germans Priory has been the site of Christian worship since the 9th century, when it was the cathedral for Cornwall. The present church was rebuilt in the 12th century, and is dedicated to St Germanus of Auzerre.
It is one of the finest, oldest and historic parish churches in the county, and one of the oldest buildings still in use for its original purpose.
Two years ago the Grade I- listed building faced closure with a dwindling congregation and no money for repairs or modernisation.
The Reverend Michael Goodland, the St Germans parish priest, said: "Architecturally it is one of the top 100 churches in the country.
"It's a very important church, so everything has to be done sympathetically.
"When it was built, it was state-of-the-art and we want to make it that again."
Bishop Tim Thornton, Bishop of Truro, said: "I am very grateful to all those who are working so hard to try to ensure a sustainable future for this internationally important building.
"I hope and pray the trust is successful in its work, and will do all I can to support it."
The Bishop of Truro and Mr Goodland will host an event at the priory with the trustees, at 7pm on Friday, January 11.
And a public launch event, on Saturday January 12, starting at 9.30am, will open with singing from children of St Germans Primary School.
Comments
by josdave
Tuesday, January 01 2013, 8:48PM
“Why not ask the Church of England to dig into their overstuffed coffers for a change instead of getting joe public to bail them out?”