Church opens doors on £260,000 new look
A£260,000 transformation of a church that has been 10 years in the making was marked with a celebratory service.
The Archdeacon on Macclesfield Ian Bishop gave a sermon at Rainow Church to commemorate the reopening of the building.
It has undergone an eight-month refurbishment programme, which has included most of the pews being taken out and replaced with free seating.
The floor has been relayed with original stone used for the nave, underfloor heating installed and the building has been redecorated.
A new audio visual system in also now in place.
Plans and ideas for the work were begun over a decade ago.
Mel Stockdale, a member of the congregation, said: “It has been a long process but the whole thing has been really well supported and it is now a building for the whole of Rainow.
“It still feels like our church but it is now a nice, big, bright place to be. It is about trying to find a sustainable future for the church as a building and a place of worship.
“People today like to worship in different ways and want to be less formal. This is now a more flexible, welcoming space.”
At the celebratory and thanksgiving service guests were welcomed by a presentation on the new equipment collated by local historian Bob Langstaff.
It showed photos of people and life in Rainow.
The Mothers’ Union choir performed hymns conducted Eleanor Warrington.
Among around 200 guests were Mayor of Macclesfield Janet Jackson and Macclesfield MP David Rutley. two
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Money for the refurbishment came from donations, fundraising and grants from the Cheshire Community Foundation, East Cheshire Council, South West Peak Community Grant
Scheme, All Churches Trust and the Garfield Weston 60th Anniversary Fund. While work was carried out, worship still took place but in the adjacent church centre room.
The church will host an open day on Saturday, March 21, from midday to 6pm. There will be information about future events and activities, performances and presentations from community groups.