The finial cross, that had to be removed for safety reasons, can now once again be raised.

A £10,000 grant from the National Churches Trust has been cause for celebration for Treslothan Church – as it means repairs to its roof will now be able to go ahead, and the gable finial cross can once again be raised.

The cross had to be removed for safety reasons several years ago, and was just one of the problems identified during regular inspections involving the roofs, rainwater gullies and guttering.

Revd Dom Whitting, the Vicar of Crowan and Treslothan, as well as being Minister of Troon Methodist Church, said: “In lifting high the cross we remember our call as disciples of Jesus Christ, to show others His love. As part of this we hope to have the church open every day during daylight hours for visitors. This will mean visitors and locals alike can come in and spend time in the church, either looking around or just seeking a quiet place amidst busy lives.

“The estimated costs had been completely beyond our reach, unaided, but we included a contribution of £1,200 from our resources. We were unsuccessful in the first round of the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair fund but in January 2016, we were shocked and amazed to receive the letter awarding £93,000 in the second tranche of awards!

“We are indebted to the work and expertise of Chris Hunter of Scott & Co in Truro. Work is planned for the autumn of 2017 to meet bat protection requirements.

“We have been fortunate to receive £1,000 from the Alan Evans Memorial Trust along with £3,000 from the Cornwall Historic Churches Trust and now £10,000 from the National Churches Trust.

“This left a shortfall of around £5,000, which led to us having a Gift Sunday on 9th July 2017. Donations and pledges received so far totalled in excess of £4,700 which means that all elements of the project will now go ahead. We are both grateful for and encouraged by this news.

“In putting the final cross back into position,  we are reminded of the hymn by G. W. Kitchin and M. R. Newbolt:

Lift high the cross,

the love of Christ proclaim

till all the world

adore his sacred name.

“We hope and pray that many will experience God’s presence whilst they are here,” said Dom.