ST JOHN'S CHURCH Update on building

NEWS FROM YOUR CHURCH PCC

At the recent public meeting at Whitechapel concerning the proposed closure of St John's Church, Cleckheaton, a number of those present asked what can be done to save the building. Can anyone who is interested in forming a group to investigate the options around saving the building contact Deborah Thorley ([email protected]) by 30 November 2026. She will then arrange a first meeting of this group.

Please note that the closure process relates solely to the church building. The churchyard, burial plots etc remain unaffected, and are outside the remit for discussion.posted 4/11/26

Summary of Meeting at Whitechapel, 20th October, 7.30pm.

The meeting was attended by around a hundred people, representing St John the Evangelist Church, St Luke’s Church, Whitechapel, Cleckheaton Methodist Church, and the wider community.

A summary of the situation that St John’s finds itself in was read. In short, as it approaches its bicentenary, the building has a number of issues, most relating to ingress of water. The main works needed include a new roof, new cast-iron guttering, treatment for dry rot and woodworm, and plugging leaks around windows. The current estimate to fix these issues is around £500,000. Despite help and much effort no grants have been identified.

The PCC of St John’s simply does not have the money available to cover this work, and its fundraising efforts also do not bring in anywhere near what is required. It is for this reason that the PCC is advising permanent closure of the building.

Just to be clear, this proposal relates solely to the building. Furthermore, regardless of whatever happens to the building, the churchyard containing graves and ashes will remain unaffected. However, in the short term, the churchyard area remains temporarily closed due to the danger of falling masonry from the church building.

During the question-and-answer session, persistent mention of vandalism was made. This is a community and societal issue, that is outside the ability of the church members to control. So, we ask that if you notice any such issues, please report them to the police; by doing so, they will pay more attention to the area.

In the coming weeks and months, the situation regarding the building should become clearer. As and when there is more information available, it will be posted on this website: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/18106/

PUBLIC MEETING about the future of St John's Tue 20th Oct 2026 7.30pm at Whitechapel Church. All most welcome to attend.

St. John's church and grounds remains closed to the public for safety. The gates are locked and noticeboards and gates signed to say we are closed.

St John’s PCC were upset that the dignity of our churchyard was spoilt by antisocial behaviour including littering. This has been reported to the police. We are very appreciative of kind offers of help clearing the mess however we would ask that you DO NOT UNDERTAKE A CLEAN UP for public safety reasons. This matter will now be taken up with environmental enforcement at the council to ensure a safe, professional, risk assessed clean up. Thank you to all who have shared their concerns which are also ours! St John’s PCC.

Thank you to the "Good Samaritan" who was passing by and stopped to help us following some damaged done to the church. They even went home to fetch better tools to finish the repair task as well as possible - we are so very thankful for your help. Revd Helen 16/10/26

Thank you to those who have cleared the Garden of Remembrance. You know who you are and we thank you for good work done quietly and well. Thank you also to our local police for your care in keeping an eye of St John's. St John's is Holy Ground and to be respected. 12/10/26

St John’s Church – Update for A Church Near You Website

At our APCM on 19th May 2026, the congregation received a short summary of the diocesan architect’s report, which arrived this evening, regarding the recently fallen stonework at St John’s.

In light of the findings, the PCC has recognised that the scale of repairs required is far beyond our available resources. We will now be approaching the Diocese to understand the next steps and the formal processes involved. After many decades of ongoing building challenges, it is clear that the church building is no longer fit for purpose.

What remains unchanged is the heart of St John’s. The Church is the Body of Christ, we are a people, not a building. Whatever the future holds for the St John’s site, the St John’s family will continue to worship, pray, and share God’s love here in Cleckheaton.

Our weekly services are: 9.30am Whitechapel and 11am St Luke’s. All most welcome.

We will keep everyone updated on this website. Thank you for giving us the time and space as a PCC to digest the new report and deal with this issue by following all professional guidance in a timely manner.

Revd H. Chamberlain (On behalf of St John’s PCC)

August 2026 - see tab St John's Church and Grounds Closed for update.

Updates on St John’s are to be found on this website “A Church Near You St John’s Cleckheaton” This is the only site regularly monitored, usually once a week by a church member. 18/8/26