St James Church no longer on Historic England's at risk register

The Church of St James the Great, located on Lower Leigh Road, Westhoughton, has been taken off Historic England’s buildings at risk register.

The church’s striking bell turret could have been lost forever after it was placed on the register in 2018.

This categorisation indicated an immediate risk of further deterioration or loss of fabric with no solution to restore it in place.

However, in 2019 the church was awarded grant worth £70,500 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to repair the 85ft turret.

READ MORE: St James the Great looking to past and future in exciting National Lottery funded project

The project focused on repairing damage caused by vegetation growth turret, which has been the landmark of Daisy Hill for almost 140 years.

Inside the Church of St James the Great (Image: Newsquest) The process, the ministry says, also enabled them gain more understanding of the construction of the unique listed building.

Revd Dr Malcolm Wearing, associate priest at St James’ Church said: “This is really good news and has been accomplished as a result of an amazing amount of hard work by many people within the church and the local community.

“We were also very fortunate to receive very generous support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, who provided a significant grant to undertake works on the unstable and deteriorating bell turret. 

READ MORE: New minister is appointed at St James the Great in Daisy Hill

“We know that a building of this age will always present new challenges, and there will always be more work to do, but we are delighted that Historic England have recognised that the building is secure for the present time.”

As many community assets and groups did, St James’ Church struggled during the coronavirus pandemic, but Revd Wearing says that the church is now back at the centre of the community and “thriving”.

“St James’ has worked really hard to bounce back from Covid, and has a thriving community of worshippers, and volunteers who are actively trying to reach out to new people though all sorts of initiatives.

"Our church welcomes people for tea, toast, and chat on the first Saturday of each month in our Open Doors event.

"Twice a term we have our family centred Messy Church with crafts, play, lively worship, and a nice lunch. 

"Our recently launched weekly Wiggle Worship is a great space for babies and toddlers and their grown-ups to play and sing and join in worship with Wiggle the Worm.

A video published on YouTube documents the restorations of the turret, but Revd Wearing is keen to welcome visitors to come and witness the local landmark in person.

READ MORE: St James the Great Church in Daisy Hill goes digital during lockdown

He added: “We would love to welcome readers to St James’ so they can see for yourself this spectacular architectural gem and experience our hospitality at one of our events or in worship.”

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18.