A brass band led the music, the church was packed and the Bishop confirmed five candidates as the beautiful village of Clapham in the North Yorkshire Dales celebrated the reopening of its parish church after five months of repairs and refurbishment.
The historic church of St James, Clapham reopened on Sunday April 12th, and despite torrential rain and sleet outside, inside there was an air of warmth and celebration for the successful completion of a major building project.
£220,000 had been raised to carry out urgent work to the tower parapets, the tower roof, the clock face, the west window, the north and south aisle roofs and the water damaged inside walls which have been re plastered. Much was raised by local people but there were also grants from English heritage, the National Churches Trust and several other bodies. During the restoration, services have been held at the nearby village of Austwick.
Bishop James, the Bishop of Ripon led the service of rededication and blessing with Vicar, Canon Ian Greenhalgh. In addition five young people and adults were confirmed during the service.
The Giggleswick and Settle Band led much of the music and singing, while Hugh Stalker played the organ and the choir sang. Canon Ian commented, “An excellent congregation, great singing resulted in an excellent celebration of this lovely historic church.”
