Freemasons make a grand gesture to Christ Church (From Warrington Guardian)

Freemasons make a grand gesture to Christ Church

WORK on redecorating the interior of a Padgate church can finally go ahead thanks to a generous donation from Warrington Freemasons.

The interior redecoration of Christ Church is the second phase of a £100,000 project to safeguard the future of the grade II listed building.

The first phase, which involved replacing the most problematic brickwork of the church, which was built in 1938, has now been completed.

And the £1,000 donated by Warrington Freemasons takes the total raised to restore the church to more than £40,000, which means a start can be made on decorating the inside of the church, as well as providing office and storage facilities in the main vestry area.

A recent race night held in aid of the fund added another £800 to the total and it is hoped that work on the interior can get started in the New Year.

When the painting work is complete and more funds are raised additional work will start to replace the 160-year-old stonework.

A total of £75,000 is needed to complete the programme of works, preserving the building for existing parishioners and future generations.

The Rev Stephen Attwater, Rector of Christ Church, said: "We are very grateful for this large donation from Warrington Freemasons, which shows a real interest in the local community."

Ian Boswell, chairman of the Warrington group of lodges, said: "Christ Church is a fine example of Victorian architecture and an important part of the Padgate community.

"We are delighted to have been able to help this worthwhile project to safeguard the future of the church."

l Christ Church is the second church to benefit from a £1,000 grant from Warrington Freemasons this year as the group became the first organisation to help St Barnabus Church in its fundraising campaign to build an extension, which means that it could have its own toilet facilities for the first time in 125 years. St Elphin's Parish Church also received a £1,000 gift to help buy a new organ.