Bridgnorth church damaged by lightning strike
Repairs will be made to Bridgnorth's historic main church after an investigation revealed it was damaged by lightning last year.
Scaffolding will be erected around the Church of St Mary Magdalene on September 20 after experts found there were holes in the leadwork of the dome, forcing water to leak through.
After a successful major insurance claim of £28,881, work to fix the town's prominent landmark will begin this week for around a month – depending on weather.
But while the scaffolding is up, the possibility to regild the cross back on top of the dome for the first time in 50 years has risen.
Now, Rector Simon Cawdell and the parochial church council have launched a campaign in an attempt to raise the thousands needed to do this.
He said: "We had water coming through the tower so we sent some people up to investigate and the first investigation wasn't certain.
"So we got some national experts in who came back with a very comprehensive report showing holes just under the cross. They said this had to be lightning strike which meant we were able to put in a major insurance claim.
"Our insurers were extremely helpful and the works that are being done to the very top of the dome are being done without task to us. It seemed pretty obvious to us that while we were up there we should look to regild the cross, which hasn't been done in years.
"We got appropriate quotes from the builder and we're hoping for works to begin on or just after September 20. The cross will be on top of the church glistening like it hasn't for a generation."
St Mary's is inviting donations in memory of residents and church members whose names will be recorded in the church memorial book on display inside.
In the event of additional funds being raised, it would be placed in the church fabric fund for the maintenance of the building and surrounds.
A total of £3,700 is needed for the project.
It comes after the church has been faced with further repair costs of £900 – after vandals broke a number of the building's windows.
Anyone wishing to make a contribution can either leave a donation with a note in the church donations safe or at the Rectory in East Castle Street.
For further information can contact the Rector Cawdell on 01746 761573.
