Work to restore the exterior of St Michael and St George’s Catholic Church in Silver Street, Lyme Regis – and to redecorate and repair the interior - has been completed.
This historic church was built in 1835, is a Grade 11* listed building and one of the many heritage buildings which make up the beautiful town of Lyme.
In the words of the parish priest, Fr. Anthony Cockram: “I was delighted to celebrate the first mass on the 10th June following the restoration work to the exterior and the wonderful redecoration and rewiring of the interior.
“It is almost exactly four years since the parish commissioned a survey aimed at seeking grants to help with the costs of the work. Now, at last, we can give thanks that its peaceful beauty and stability will be enjoyed by many generations to come.”
Fr. Anthony went on to thank the many people, parishioners and others, who helped to “bring this wonderful church back to its former glory”. The cost, in round figures, came to £250,000 (excluding VAT which the parish, being a charity, could reclaim) towards which, several charitable organisations have contributed a total of £200,806 with the balance being covered through donations, fundraising and parish savings.
Generous grants were made by Historic England from their Culture Recovery Fund, Dorset Historic Churches Trust, Lyme Regis Town Council, the Allchurches Trust Ltd, the Charlotte Marshall Charitable Trust and Axe Vale Festival Ltd.
Some further works still need to be done, such as repairs and redecoration of the main entrance door, replacement of the long glass window in the bell tower and repairs to the two leaded glass windows on the north elevation of the church, which will cost in the region of £25,000 – but it is hoped to address the first two items in the autumn and the leaded windows next year.
The church can be viewed externally at any time and the doors will be open during the day for visitors to view the interesting and beautiful interior as soon as covid regulations permit. Meanwhile, mass is celebrated every Thursday morning at 10am and each Sunday at 11am, although spaces are currently restricted.