Macclesfield: Town centre church deemed 'at risk' with crucial repairs required
By Alex Greensmith
12th Apr 2023 | Local News
It is arguably Macclesfield's most iconic church, boasting a central location and the fact it is a thriving events hub.
However, St. Michael's and All Angels Church in Macclesfield is requiring urgent repairs.
The Grade II*-listed Market Place place of worship, is the latest local building to be placed on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register.
Church Warden Rachel Mayers, who has held this position for the past three years, explained to Macclesfield Nub News what this means and what parts of the church building require fixing.
"This means we are a building that is considered important architecturally but are at risk of deteriorating", said Rachel, who has been on the Church's Council for thirty years.
"This will increase our chances of getting grants. But the ultimate objective of getting on the Register is to get off it again, by restoring the Church."
Parts of the building date from the 15th century, but the main part of the church was completed in 1900, by the Victorian architect Arthur Blomfield.
"Unfortunately, the Victorians did not account for climate change," Rachel surmised.
The space is much more than a place of worship.
As well as providing a stage for up and coming classical musicians every week, recent months have seen the Church provide low cost or cheap meals for those in need, and a place to meet for Ukrainians.
Revd Martin Stephens, Rector of St Michael's, explained what work needs to be done "Being placed on the HAR Register is simply a sad reflection that we are custodians of a stunningly beautiful but expensive to maintain building."
"Much of the leadwork, including the main roof, has passed the end of its useful life; the lead gutters are not only worn, but also inadequate to cope with the heavy rainfalls we now experience as a result of the changing climate.
"There was recently a major flood in the kitchen [which was added in the 2000s] caused by litter blocking a narrow downspout.
"Therefore substantial repairs, costing over £300,000, are needed simply to prevent further deterioration.
Responsibility for maintaining and repairing a church building rests with its congregation, who do not receive any support from central or local government.
"Phase one of the renovations which we want to complete by winter 2023-24 would cost about £100,000", added Rachel, who first attended the Church in 1979.
"This would get it immediately waterproof by patching it, but would be an urgent temporary fix rather than main one.
"Phase two, which would be the permanent fix to the main roof would cost a further £150,000.
"With that, it would get us off the register. But that is assuming that that £150,000 figure won't increase, given the times we are in."
The church is located to the right of Macclesfield Town Hall. The fact that St. Mike's is a listed building complicates the process of returning it to former glories.
Historic England defines Macclesfield's most central Church joining their 'at risk' list as follows: "Inclusion of a place of worship in the Register is absolutely not a criticism of those responsible for the building."
"Rather, it is an indication that those who are caring for an important part of the country's heritage are facing significant challenges, which may require more resources than they can find locally.
"The aim of the Register is to keep attention focused on these buildings, to act as a working tool to help define the scale of the problem, and to prioritise action by Historic England, local authorities, funding bodies and others who can play a part in making these irreplaceable buildings safe and sustainable for future generations."
Donations to support the Church's restoration projects can be given in cash inside the building.
There is also a card donation point at the right of the entrance, just before you enter the Angel at my Table Café.
And it is not just water damage that needs future-proofing. Other parts of the Church also need some TLC.
"Not related to us joining the register is that the lighting is failing", added Macclesfield resident Rachel.
"That would cost another £100,000, and is key to us continuing to host the concerts and rehearsals of local music societies, as well as the Music at Mike's lunchtime concerts which raise money for charity.
"The boiler is on its last legs as well.
"Most of our income comes from members of our congregation. We thank them and the wider community of Macclesfield for their support.
"While our beautiful building and its key location in the marketplace contribute to our mission, our primary purpose is to worship God, to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to contribute to the life of Macclesfield.
"We make our building open and available to the people of Macclesfield as much as we can; it is a popular venue for concerts, meetings, arts, and our daily café – it is a building for the community. The repairs needed are beyond the resources of the current members."
Rachel's fellow churchwarden, Matt Lewis, added "The church operates a "Friends of St Michael's" scheme for individuals and businesses who wish to assist with the cost of the building but not the Christian Ministry.
"Further details of this, and how to donate, may be found on the church website [linked below] or in the Welcome Area at St Michael's.
"We'd also be delighted to hear from anyone with the time and expertise to help us apply for major grants to get the necessary work done."
If Macclesfield wants to help secure the future of this iconic building, financial help is sought.
As well as in the Church, you can also pledge money online via their web donations page, or contact [email protected] (01625 421984) and ask for their Treasurer.
St Michael's is also seeking volunteers to help them write grant applications, helping out at their Café, and more. You can use the same contact details above should you be interested in this.
In addition to being open for public worship, the St. Michael's building and Café, are open 10am-12pm Monday – Wednesday, and 10am – 3pm on Thursday – Sunday. It is also open until 3pm on Treacle Sundays.
Additionally, with the support of Macclesfield Town Council, the Church is currently providing toilet facilities for the benefit of town centre visitors.
See Also: Macclesfield Beer Festival to raise thousands in milestone year for local charity
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