St Laurence’s has been part of the story of Kirby Misperton for more than a thousand years. Now, what began with a broken boiler has become an opportunity to give the church a new lease of life, creating a more flexible and welcoming space for worship and community activities.
The church’s history reaches back to the ninth century. Carved crosses and fragments of an ancient headstone incorporated into the chancel walls offer a glimpse of its early life. Completely rebuilt in the fifteenth century, the church has recently been adapted to better serve the village in the twenty-first. New heating, lighting, a kitchen, and accessible facilities have been installed in keeping with its historic surroundings.
The Revd Councillor Jackie Cray, a retired priest and chair of the village parish council, explained that the vision went far beyond repairing the building:
“It was about better connecting and serving our local community,” she said. “I hope that we’ve given a future to the building. I’m hoping that if there are things that are happening in and around the church that connect with people’s real lives and needs, that it will draw people, not just into the building, but into the Christian community.”
With funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, and support from diocesan buildings adviser Keith Halliday, the project will help secure the church’s future and serve the whole community. The improvements have made the building much more accessible and welcoming, particularly for those who previously found it difficult to access and use.
Jackie hopes the renewed space will host activities that respond to people’s everyday needs, with a bereavement café and parent and baby groups already on the horizon. Last month, Bishop Barry led a service of dedication and blessing as the church community marked this new chapter.
Watch the video below to see the changes and hear Jackie’s account. And if you are interested in exploring similar possibilities for your church, visit our church buildings pages or get in touch with the team.
