PARISHIONERS are being asked to support a fundraising drive for a new church at Winnington.

St Luke’s Church has been based at Winnington Park Recreation Club for the past two years since the closure of the church building in Dyar Terrace, Winnington.

The building dates back to 1890, and was closed because of the cost of repairs and maintenance and its unsuitability for community outreach purposes.

Work is due to begin in the next few weeks on demolishing the building, and is due to be completed by Christmas.

The site will be cleared, and it is hoped to build a new church on the land.

The church will cost about £750,000, and the support of parishioners is being sought to help turn the dream into a reality.

The vicar of St Luke’s, Reverend Carol Seddon, has written to parishioners seeking their backing for the plan to build a new church on the Dyar Terrace site.

“Winnington expands daily, and will continue to expand, so the possibilities and opportunities for ministry in the area are vast,” said Rev Seddon in her letter.

“St Luke’s still owns the land on which the old church stood, and we would love to build a new church on this plot of land, but we will need your help.

“The multi-purpose church we would like to build would cost in the region of £750,000 at present day prices, so we would appreciate pledges, donations, offers of help or ideas for fundraising.

“We want you to feel part of this wonderful opportunity to reach out to the community in the love of Christ.”

Rev Seddon said the decision to demolish the church had been a difficult one to take by all the parties concerned.

“The enormous cost of repair, the cost of maintaining the building and its unsuitability for outreach to the community in this century have been strong deciding factors,” she said.

“We will publish regular updates on the progress of the project, but in the meantime we are encouraging parishioners to find out what’s happening on our Facebook page – St Luke’s Church Winnington – and send a request to join the group.

“I am asking people to contact me if they feel they would like to support this exciting project or would like further information.

“Meantime we are still active and growing in our small but beautifully-appointed rented church in the library of Winnington Park Recreation Club.”

St Luke’s is having a Christmas fair and craft market at the club on November 21 from 11am to 1pm, and a Christmas concert at the club on December 4, featuring The City of Chester Band.

Details of other events, Messy church services and special services, will be posted on the church's Facebook page, or visit church@stlukeswinnington.org.uk