We believe that we are called to be an icon of God’s love in our town. We want to worship and welcome visitors to a building that makes it clear that God’s invitation is for everyone. We want to contribute, in this generation to Christian witness in our town.

In Autumn 2004 we launched 'Cornerstone', a development project to ensure the future of our church.

Vision

The vision behind Cornerstone is to open the church to all members of the community and to people of all physical abilities. This is not just a legal issue, but a faith issue. We believe that God's welcome is for all and that our building should be an icon of what we believe. We also need to maintain the heritage of our building and enhance the interior furnishings of the church. We are witnessing to the world the value that we place on the holy places of our faith. Phase I of 'Cornerstone' will see repairs carried out to the balconies, tower and roof. Phase II will see a lovely new 'lantern' entrance enabling full access to community rooms in the crypt and gallery.

Progress

During Autumn 2004 our architect, Stuart Beaumont of One17AD prepared a feasibility study to our brief. This was received with enthusiasm by the church community in the Spring of 2005. During the Summer and Autumn of 2005 we proceeded with the various stages required to obtain planning permission, negotiating with the Advisory Committee of the Wakefield Diocese, English Heritage and with the Local Planning Authorities.

We then carried out an investigative dig to establish the archaeological significance of the area around the church. The negotiations have taken a long time, but now we are finally ready to start Phase I in summer 2007.

Fund-raising

During this time we have been energetically fund raising among the community both to raise money and cover our immediate professional fees and to raise awareness of our project.

Following the launch weekend we have held a programme of fund-raising events including race nights, quiz evenings, coffee mornings and fashion shows. We also host events for other organisations and groups in the church in order to raise funds.

A wonderful Flower Festival ‘Our Town' was held during October 2005 for which we were supported by numerous local flower arrangers and businesses. The weekend also included a lively and very successful Concert by the University Big Band.

Over the Harvest Festival weekend (5-7th October 2007) we are having an 'open weekend' including worship and entertainment and lots of opportunities to find out about the repair work and the life of the church - you are warmly invited to these events.

Fund-raising is always hard work and we are very grateful for the support of our Cornerstone patrons:

Mr David Armitage

Miss Dora Bryan

Mr Geoff Drewitt

Mr Ashley Jackson

The Rt Revd Stephen Platten

Dr Ingrid Roscoe

Mr Barry Sheerman MP

The Very Revd Henry Stapleton

Lady Wilson

If you are able to help us in any way we would be very pleased to hear from you. If you are looking for a venue for your event or if you work for a fund-raising organisation and would like to make us a beneficiary we would be very keen to hear from you!