Work starts at Central Methodist Church in St Saviourgate York to address urgent roof repairs.

Last year, Central Methodist Church successfully applied for the grant through the Government-funded Listed Places of Worship: Roof Repair Fund. Further funding was obtained from the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme and the wider Methodist Church. Work begins by local firms JMark Construction and Mass architects to put the plans into action on Monday 13th March, to be complete by early June.

It is hoped that the repairs grade 2* listed chapel will make the roof water tight and prevent further water damage. At the same time the ornate ceiling will be strengthened to preserve it for future generations.  In the meantime the church and halls remain open for bookings six days a week, as well as continuing our traditional Sunday morning and evening services to which all are welcome.

Over the last three years Central Methodist Church has invested over £200,000 of its own funds seeking to find new ways of conserving and adapting the city centre church and its ancillary buildings for the continuing benefit and welfare of the community of the city and its visitors.

Angie Creswick, York Methodist circuit resources manager said “’The outcome of the project is to secure this important 1840 Grade II* listed building from further water ingress and stabilise the highly ornamented plaster ceiling pending the development of future conservation projects. The chapel includes a balcony and seats over 1000 people with original box pews and a large historic pipe organ.”

The congregation meets weekly for worship and the building provides spaces for several local charities and community events. Carecent, a charity providing breakfast for homeless people, has been based at the church for over 30 years.