Glossop church undergoes major renovations

Glossop's largest church is likely to be closed until Easter as contractors carry out repairs and improvements.

St Mary’s Crowned on Sumner Street was built in 1882 with the £17,000 cost generously provided by Glossop mill owner Francis Sumner.

This time it’s the generosity and commitment of parishioners who have come up with the funding.

It was five years ago that popular parish priest Father Greg Tobin, who recently moved to another parish, launched plans to improve and repair the interior of the church.

It was the start of a huge planning and fund raising programme, which is continuing under his successor Father Martin Sylvester.

Donations for the multi-thousand pound project are still being gratefully received.

The work will be done in two stages, with the first that is now taking place, concentrating on repairs and redecorating.

While St Mary’s is closed Holy Mass will be celebrated in St Mary’s Hall and it also continues to be celebrated at All Saints Catholic Church.

Meticulous planning by the Glossop Parishes Maintenance Committee had resulted in one of the biggest projects at a local church for many years.

The project was approved by the Historic Churches Committee.

Sue Nash from St Mary’s said: “The project started in late December following more than five years of fundraising by parishioners to carry out this much needed work. There have been lots of fundraising activities over that period and thankfully these are now coming to fruition along with other donations and legacies.

“The project is in two phases: the first one being the removal of all loose plaster (a major issue in recent years), replastering using lime plaster and the redecoration. 

“The scaffolding alone has taken more than a month to erect, so large is the scale of the project. All this in line with the Historic Churches Committee guidelines.  

“The second phase of the project will be the installation of toilets and a cafe/social area. The church is hoping to apply for grants for this work, but any additional donations to the project would be very much appreciated.”

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