ONE of the region’s best-known places of worship is close to being fully refurbished.
St Thomas’ Church, Rhyl, is to be offered £54,000 of Welsh Assembly Government historic building grants to perform essential repairs and restoration work.
The work brings to an end a 10 year project to ensure the historic building is fully operational and accessible in the present day.
Canon John Glover, vicar of Rhyl, said: “The grant funding is definitely welcomed. The work that has been done here will hopefully ensure many more years of worship at St Thomas’ Church.”
Originally completed in 1867 with its church spire following eight years later, St Thomas’ Church was described by the Assembly Government this week as a “fine example of high Victorian gothic”.
Work carried out in recent years has included restoring windows and the West End of the church, and renewing the church’s sandstone after many years of erosion.
Another potential improvement being fought for is the organ restoration fund, with various activities having been held to move towards covering the costs of a new instrument.
Cllr Brian Blakeley, of Rhyl south-east on Denbighshire County Council, believes St Thomas’ Church is an integral part of the Rhyl community.
He said: “It is absolutely fantastic that money is being set aside to allow work to be carried out at St Thomas’. It is one of the best known churches in Rhyl and a landmark for the area and it is very important that it is valued as such.
“The organ restoration fund is particularly important and I hope funding can be secured to allow this work to be carried out quickly.”
Almost £1million is being made available through the grant funding to 24 historic buildings across Wales.
Another church to benefit is Christ Church, Prestatyn, which has been offered £7,200 towards the repointing of its historic tower.