WHITBY MP visited a historic church for the first time recently and declared it a ""hidden treasure.""
Robert Goodwill, Conservative MP for Whitby and Scarborough visited Old St Stephen's Church to meet representatives of the Churches Conservation Trust, the charitable heritage organisation who care for this historic site and local landmark.
Old St Stephen's was vested to the trust in the 1980s when it became no longer required for regular worship.
This beautiful Grade I listed, early 19th Century church has been protected from the elements through painstaking conservation work for over 20 years.
Now it is to become one of the Churches Conservation Trust's 20 national Gateway churches inviting visitors to enjoy its inspirational location and captivating stories through a programme of events.
The Churches Conservation Trust cares for over 340 'churches at risk' across England, 75 of them are in their northern region.
Mr Goodwill said: ""This is truly a wonderful building and one that I have often driven past but never had the opportunity to look in, it is a hidden treasure"".
Rosi Lister, North of England Regional Manager explained the challenges the trust is facing with an ever increasing number of churches to conserve and reducing financial resources.
""We opened these buildings to the public as heritage attractions; they represent slices of time, full of stories and traditions that can inspire us"".
Mr Goodwill was shown the rare Maidens Garlands which were traditionally used to decorate a maiden's coffin at her funeral.
Ms Lister explained that ""as a selected 'Gateway Church', Old St Stephen's will benefit from new signage and appropriately sensitive visitor interpretation that will bring to life some of the fascinating stories.
""There will also be a continued growth in the cultural events, building on the excellent work achieved by the local Friends group; benefiting visitors and local people alike.
""As the term Gateway implies it is hoped that by making these investments visitors who have enjoyed their experience will search out other trust churches.
""We hope people will support us by visiting the church, making a donation and/or becoming a Trust volunteer.""
For more information about visiting Old St Stephen's or other Trust churches please contact[email protected]visitwww.visitchurches.org.ukor phone (0207) 2130660.
Whitby Gazette