PCC long-term building strategy to strengthen worship and community use
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of All Saints Congleton has announced a series of planned changes across its Anglican churches, aimed at securing a strong and sustainable future for worship, mission and community engagement across the town.
Following several years of prayer, discussion and careful planning, the PCC has agreed a long‑term strategy that aligns church buildings with available resources and future needs, ensuring Anglican ministry continues to serve Congleton effectively in the years ahead.
St Stephen’s Parish Church, on Brook Street, will continue as the main focus for Sunday worship, offering both contemporary and traditional services each week. Services will remain at 9.30am and 11.00am, reflecting the church’s ongoing role at the heart of Anglican worship in the town.
At St Peter’s Parish Church, located on Chapel Street close to the Town Hall, Sunday morning worship will continue with a focus on more informal and contemplative services. St. Peter’s will also continue to be the venue for civic and large community services. Alongside this, the PCC has agreed to support a formal application for permission to progress ambitious restoration and development plans for the historic building.
The proposed 10‑year project, supported by a generous legacy and potential grant funding, aims to transform St Peter’s into a flexible, comfortable, multi‑purpose space. Planned improvements include modern kitchen and toilet facilities, enabling the church to serve as a welcoming venue for both Christian worship and a wide range of town‑centre cultural and community activities.
St John’s Church in Buglawton will continue to host occasional services and remain available for worship. In addition, proposals are being developed to improve accessibility and facilities, including levelling the floor and installing toilets and a small kitchen. These improvements would provide much‑needed additional community facilities in Buglawton, complementing the nearby community hall which is already heavily used.
A consultation process will begin for Holy Trinity, Mossley where the PCC has also confirmed that it is proposing the closure of the building which currently operates as a Chapel of Ease. The process involved is expected to be lengthy and will include consultation with both the congregation and the wider local community.
Any closure would require formal approval from the Church Commissioners and would only proceed once an appropriate future use for the building has been identified. In the meantime, the popular Wednesday morning communion service will continue as usual. Should closure be approved in future, alternative arrangements will be made to ensure this service continues locally, potentially at The Chappell Centre.
The PCC has emphasised that regular services will continue throughout the parish, and welcomes both existing and new members to attend. Speaking on behalf of the PCC, a spokesperson said the plans are about “ensuring the Church of England continues to offer a prayerful presence, meaningful worship and welcoming spaces for the whole community of Congleton, both now and in the future.”