St John's church is one of the oldest Catholic churches still in use in the Nottingham Diocese. Completed in 1842, it saw the first legal Catholic worship in Melton Mowbray after almost 300 years of punishment and persecution. Two years after its completion, in 1844, a church hall was built to the right of the church, so this church from its first design conception was intended to offer a community space; a place where people can love, laugh, pray and grow together. Now, 180 years later, the church is regaining its former neo-Gothic glory thanks to your generosity. Newly-decorated in original style, proud of its association with A.W.N. Pugin, the church is now ready for the next step: a hall in its original position, with full disabled access, to enable the parishioners to grow together while offering a service to the entire community!

Background

When it was built the neo-Gothic design was beautiful and the church was described as "a gem". Designers and artisans of national renown were involved, including the famous A.W.N. Pugin. The interior is fascinating, encapsulating the entire courageous history of Catholicism in this area, which was kept alive in secret hiding places at great risk. With its church hall standing close against the wall, and a house for the priest on site, the church was home to a vibrant family, delighted to be able to worship publicly again, determined to build their community and offer love and service to their town. This continued well into the 1960s, but sadly by then the buildings had become in need of attention. The beautiful church artwork was overpainted; the house was compulsorily purchased and demolished. The hall had also deteriorated and in 1985 that was demolished too. The church stood alone and forlorn, with no-one living on site, still greatly loved and much used for regular services, but sadly closed to visitors at most other times.

Thanks to your generous help, that is now changing! The church artwork has already been restored in the original Victorian style and looks stunning. Together, we have transformed this part of Melton already, and we are pleased the hall is now open which will enable us to grow together as a community and reach out further with love and care to the people of our town. There is a pleasant terrace which could be used for outdoor events, a fully equipped commercial kitchen; a spacious lobby; display facilities, store rooms, offices and smaller meeting areas; full disabled facilities and disabled access. Building work has now been completed and the project has cost £760,000. The church has already obtained over £100,000 in grants but more is needed. There is a shortfall of approximately £150,000 and we are fundraising to help bridge that funding gap.

Why should I donate?

For the love of people; for the love of our heritage; for the love of God!

We need St Johns to be more than just a religious museum; more even than a place visited only for occasional services. It was not designed just for that! We need this historic church, which is located in the heart of the town, to be fully at the heart of the community a place which is rooted in the past and which gives a sense of stability and continuity to our lives, but which is also a beacon of faith and love in a world which is searching for those things.

With the hall now complete we can accommodate a larger congregation when needed. We can reach out in love to the poor, the lonely, the marginalised. This area is one of the most deprived in the whole of Leicestershire. Already plans are under way to use the hall to offer free community meals. If you will help us, we can truly say, In this place all are welcome!

We have already been working hard at offline fundraising events details of which are available on our website https://friendsofstjohns.wixsite.com/historicchurch/fundraising