A 180-year-old church in Weaste has faced many challenges in the past but the coronavirus could finally force its closure.
St. Luke’s Church, where Suffragette Emiline Pankhurst was married, is appealing for £10,000 to enable it to reopen in 2021.
Reverend Daniel Burton and Reverend Charlie Gorton are spearheading the bid to keep the church going and have raised £1800 so far.
In a statement they said: “At St. Luke’s Church, Weaste we have faced a number of challenges over the last decade, but the Covid-19 Pandemic has been by far our most serious, cutting off essential income from parish hall lettings.
“With no certainty about when normal activities can resume, 2021 may well be the last year for St. Luke’s unless new sources of income and community support can be found. Without serious intervention, we shall run out of money by next Easter.”
The church had an historic role in the Suffragette movement after Emmeline Goulden became Emmeline Pankhurst in 1879 following her marriage to Richard Pankhurst at St. Luke’s.
Resident Dorothy Scott said: “St. Luke’s Church has been a huge part of my life and would be missed by so many.”
The church was added to the Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in 2018 and has suffered from a leaking roof and outbreaks of rot, which was hoped to be repaired by the trust.
Salford resident Rachel Faiyaz said: “I grew up down the road from here, I remember going to Brownies in the church hall and many parties, lots of happy memories from here.”
As one of Salford’s most iconic buildings known as ‘the church on the hill’, it will be a huge blow to the community if it is lost.
New social media channels have also been created for the church to help raise funds.
Twitter – @stlukescechurch
Instagram – @st_lukescechurch
Facebook – St Lukes CE Church page.
You can also donate here.