Cash-strapped church built in 1160 reaches ‘critical point’

A vicar has issued an urgent appeal for funds to help keep his 12th century church going. The plea has come from Father Peter Harnden, who leads the St Michael’s and All Angels Church in Harbledown, He says it needs an extra £50,000 every year to survive. Although not currently threatened with closure by the Diocese, he says its financial situation has reached “a critical point”.

“As is the case for very many other churches and charitable organisations up and down the country, the pandemic has had a severe impact on our church’s finances, “he said.

“It’s been a combination of factors, but most chiefly as a result of having to be much more restricted in our worship services and community and other activities. “Whilst, from a Diocesan perspective, our church is not currently facing closure, nonetheless our financial situation has reached a critical point whereby there will soon be insufficient funds to pay our bills and function as we should.”

He says the church, which was built in about 1160, needs to increase its regular income now. “We’re looking at various ways in which to do this, so that we can continue to offer ministry and worship in Harbledown at the same level as pre-pandemic.

“Despite what many people think, all churches - town and country - have to fund themselves - this is why we wrote to our community earlier this month highlighting our situation and reminding people that this is their church – here to support them through every stage of life.

“We hope and pray that people in our local community will respond positively and will see the value in helping to keep our mission and ministry resourced, both now and for future generations.” Parishioner and historian John Hippisley, who runs Canterbury Ghost Tours, hopes the village will pull together to help the church.

“I have agreed that I will come up with some fundraising ideas for them, and see if together all of us can create a future that we can all feel better about, coming together, and celebrating the good that is around us. “Ultimately, the only way to stop the church going under is to physically come and look round it, if you have a link to Harbeldown or Rough Common, come to church and see what it’s like. “I am thinking of putting on some guided history tours of the churchyard and talking about who’s buried there and their life stories,” he said.

Mr Hippisley had suggested offering hugs in the city centre in return for donations to the appeal, but the church advised him not to because of Covid fears.

‘We hope and pray that people in our local community will respond positively’

The church needs an extra £50,000 a year to survive

John Hippisley is helping the fundraising efforts