A public consultation will be taking place over the proposed closure of St Thomas Church in Minnis Bay and St Mildred’s Church in Acol.
The parochial church council says the closures are necessary due to the substantial cost implications of repairs and maintenance.
Reverend Mark Ham, of Birchington All Saints Parish, told parishioners: “There will be considerable upset, hurt and sadness in the Parish with the closing of buildings but with the challenged financial position, current and historic, there were very limited options left.”
The PCC voted on the closures after the publication of the latest five year report on the condition of church fabric and finances.
A newsletter to parishioners said: “The P.C.C. considered the substantial cost implications from these reports on the repairs necessary to our churches to maintain and sustain them for the future as well as paying our Parish Share, andour other significant every day running costs including maintaining our halls.
“After a lengthy and challenging discussion, the P.C.C. agreed with a 71% vote in favour “to ensure the financial viability of the parish, this P.C.C. approves the closure of St Thomas and St Mildred Churches, to enable the appropriate re-ordering of All Saints Church and Church House. “A strategic vision and business case will be formulated with the full involvement of the church communities.”
Rev Mark has discussed the outcome of the P.C.C. meeting with the Archdeacon and the following phases are to be put in place:
Phase 1: P.C.C. meeting with the Archdeacon and Diocesan Officers (date to be agreed).
Phase 2: Public meetings/consultation with each church community (dates to be agreed).
Phase 3: P.C.C. review of consultation process and next steps.
Churchwarden Loraine Bant said: “We shall be holding the public consultation meetings once the dates are agreed, as described in phase two of the process.”
St. Mildred’s Church was opened and dedicated in 1876. The first service at St Thomas Church was held on Christmas morning in 1932 although the construction was not completed until the following year.
