St Thomas’ Window, Heights Chapel, Friarmere
St Thomas' Church, Friarmere, Greater Manchester
St Thomas’ church, also known as Heights Chapel, in Friarmere, is a beloved historical landmark. In partnership with the local community, represented by the Friends of Heights Chapel, the Churches Conservation Trust is launching a fundraising campaign to repair and conserve the iconic St Thomas window.
This beautifully crafted stained glass window, which has adorned the chapel for decades, has suffered natural damage over time. In response, the Friends of Heights Chapel are seeking support to fund the repairs necessary to preserve this important piece of history.
“The St. Thomas window is not only a stunning work of art, but it also holds deep historical and spiritual significance for the former congregation and the wider community,” said Mark Sproat, Lead Local Community Officer at CCT. “Our goal is to restore it to its former glory, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its beauty and the story it tells.”
The St Thomas window features intricate designs and vibrant colours that captivate all who visit. Unfortunately, due to environmental exposure and the passage of time, the window has suffered from cracks, deterioration, and structural instability, ultimately leading to its removal in the summer of 2024. With the support of the local community and generous donors, CCT is committed to restoring the window to its original beauty and integrity.
The fundraising campaign will cover the costs of professional restoration services, including the careful removal, repair, and reinstallation of the window. This project will work with expert conservators and stained-glass specialists to ensure that the conservation process maintains the window’s historical authenticity while improving its durability for years to come.
For more information on how to contribute to the St. Thomas window conservation, or to learn about upcoming events, please contact Mark Sproat on 07392087023 or [email protected].
About Heights Chapel:
St Thomas’ church was built in 1765 to serve a growing local population who otherwise had to go to church in Rochdale or Saddleworth. A bellcote was added to the exterior in the 19th century, and fittings were added to the interior during the same century. Many of these fittings were relocated to the new parish church in Delph when the old church was closed. It was declared redundant on 16 April 1970, and was vested in the Trust on 24 May 1972. For more information, visit our dedicated church page.
