SIR: I read with great interest your article (May 28) describing the Mormon Temple at Chorley, a truly impressive building that dominates the skyline, and a focal point for travellers on the M61. The new building has attracted many thousands of visitors, who speak of the sumptuous setting, the luxurious fittings, and the courteous reception of the guides.

I was sorry to read that the building is now closed to the general public, and only open to professing members of the Mormon Sect. How different to our Christian Churches, which are open to all, to come and go as they please. How different to many of our Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches, that are open each day for private prayer, or for the curious visitor who might just catch a glimpse of a spiritual dimension that he/she did not know was within themselves.

We have many visitors to Bolton Parish Church, including many who have lived in or around Bolton all their lives, yet did not know what a 'gem' we have in the centre of our great town, what an oasis in a busy commercial and retailing centre. And we are not on our own in welcoming people in, your local Church might surprise you. It will contain much of beauty, much that will speak to you of God.

We are fortunate to have our Town Centre Church open each morning, Monday to Saturday; sadly other Church buildings have to remain locked for security reasons, but all of them are open on Sundays!

Canon Alan Wolstencroft,

Vicar of Bolton, The Vicarage,

Churchgate, Bolton.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.