Lincolnshire Churches Trust

Preserving our Churches

Churches are the greatest glory of Lincolnshire. Nowhere else in the world are there so many magnificent churches in so small an area. But somebody has to maintain them. Most parishes do their best, but many, especially the small ones, need encouragement and financial help.

Lincolnshire Churches Trust was founded in 1952 by Lord Ancaster and Bishop Harland to preserve and protect our churches, it was then give the title of Lincolnshire Old Churches Trust and remained so until Autumn 2008. It is non-denominational, and will help any church or chapel which is over 100 years old. But we need more friends, more subscribers, more help, more support.

In its first 50 years,the Trust made 1,157grants to 495 different places of worship , totalling £1.5 million.

Will you help us to continue with our work?

You will be aware that people travel from around the world to visit the beautiful towns and countryside of Lincolnshire. It will be no surprise to know that they also take in the splendour of our historic churches and chapels. Everyone expects the church to be there when they want it , but the cost of preserving even the fabric is often well beyond local means.

Churches and other places of worship in Lincolnshire have survived for centuries yet they quickly fall into decay if not properly maintained. The small communities in the diverse range of parishes cannot cope when their churches are faced with problems such as deathwatch beetle, rotting floors, crumbling masonry and other structural defects - both internal and external - brought about by natural causes.

As a result Lincolnshire Churches Trust was founded to help churches and chapels to be preserved and kept open for worship . Throughout Lincolnshire there are wonderful places of worship which are part of our heritage, and with your help they can be preserved. Our role is to raise the much needed funds which will be distributed in the form of grants. Most importantly, funds are distributed on a basis of need, irrespective of denomination.

Our work is carried out entirely on a voluntary basis thus keeping expenses to an absolute minimum. We give you our pledge that any help you give will be put to the best possible use.

How you can help

As a registered charity (No. 509021) the Lincolnshire Churches Trust depends upon voluntary support.

The Sponsored `Ride and Stride` is held across the County on the second Saturday in September

Garden Openings - held mainly on Sunday afternoons between April and August

Lectures on topical subjects are held in Spring or Autumn each year

Something new for 2009, join in the Arts Competition. More details later

By taking part in or contributing to any of these activities you are making a positive statement by helping to preserve some of Lincolnshire`s finest and oldest churches that are now requiring urgent repair and restoration .

By purchasing Christmas Cards through ` Cards for Good Causes ` shops or direct from the trust

By becoming a subscriber or making a donation

By providing a Legacy through your will