Devastating Dry Rot Shuts Down Historic Mousehole Church – But There’s Hope on the Horizon

A Cornwall church ravaged by dry rot during Covid-19 closure is set for a major revival thanks to £50,000 in urgent funding.

A Sudden Crisis for Mousehole Methodist Church

The Covid-19 pandemic has had far-reaching consequences, but for the Mousehole Methodist Church in Cornwall, the effects were particularly catastrophic. Forced to close its doors during the lockdown, the church, which had been a bustling hub for the local community, faced a devastating blow. During its closure, severe dry rot set in, rendering the building unsafe and unfit for use.

Mousehole Methodist Church, renowned for its beautiful Georgian timber interior, saw its staircases, floorboards, panelling, and pews succumb to the rot. The cause was traced back to a disused water tank under the church floors, exacerbated by poor gutters and drainage, which led to the destruction of the historic woodwork.

A Lifeline for the Community

Before the pandemic, the church was more than just a place of worship—it was the heartbeat of Mousehole village. Hosting everything from choirs and coffee mornings to bazaars, the church was the only community space in the village, providing a vital lifeline for many.

In a stroke of good fortune, the much-loved church will now share in a £735,326 funding payout from the National Churches Trust, receiving a £40,000 grant for urgent repairs. Additionally, the church has been awarded a £10,000 Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant from the Wolfson Foundation, following a recommendation from the National Churches Trust.

These grants will fund the replacement of the damaged woodwork and the creation of a ‘subfloor’ to prevent future damp issues. The water tank, which was the source of the problem, has already been removed, paving the way for the church’s restoration.

Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, expressed her delight in supporting the church, emphasising the importance of preserving the building for both heritage and community purposes. Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significant challenges historic churches face in maintaining their structures.

Historic Significance and Future Plans

Mousehole Methodist Church, built in 1833 on the site of an earlier 1783 chapel, is one of Cornwall’s oldest Methodist churches. The building features a classical style and a stunning galleried auditorium, with stained glass windows dating back to 1905. A commemorative corner within the church is dedicated to the lost Penlee lifeboat and her crew, underscoring its deep ties to the local community.

Once the repairs are completed, Mousehole Methodist Church aims to expand its role within the community. Plans are in place to support locals suffering from food or fuel poverty, a growing concern in the area. The church also intends to offer its space as a warm refuge, especially during the colder months.

Sylvia Pezzack, Treasurer at Mousehole Methodist Church, shared the congregation’s relief and gratitude upon receiving the grants. She noted that the funds, combined with proceeds from the sale of the Sunday School building, will allow for the much-needed refurbishment of the church, securing its future as a vital community hub.

The importance of this funding cannot be overstated. The grants from the National Churches Trust and the Wolfson Foundation come as part of a larger effort to preserve historic churches across the UK. In 2023 alone, the National Churches Trust made over 180 grant awards to churches, totalling more than £2 million. This funding has helped save over 70,000 years of precious heritage and ensured that 87 churches remain open and in good repair.

The work of the National Churches Trust is crucial in keeping churches like Mousehole Methodist open for worship and community use. Since 1953, the trust has provided more than £130 million in funding to support church buildings across the UK. For more information on how they support churches through grants and other services, visit the National Churches Trust.

Similarly, the Wolfson Foundation, which has awarded around £1 billion to various projects since 1955, continues to play a key role in the conservation and restoration of places of worship with significant historical and architectural value. More details about their work can be found on the Wolfson Foundation’s website.

With the upcoming repairs, Mousehole Methodist Church looks forward to reopening its doors, continuing its legacy as a cherished part of the village’s cultural and spiritual life.