The Trinity Centre, based at Trinity Methodist church in Cardiff, has reached a point where fundamental reordering and renovations are needed to secure the building’s future. Failure to address the issues will result in further deterioration of the Grade II listed building and ultimately, its closure.
As well as being where two ethnically diverse congregations meet to worship, the building hosts 24 external organisations, most of which help refugees and asylum-seekers. This includes immigration advice, support services and English language classes. There are also activities supporting people overcoming substance abuse and activities that support female refugee and asylum-seekers as well as young families.
The groups and services hosted in this church building are a lifeline to the local community. Should the church close, it would have far-reaching consequences across the city.
Thankfully, help is on hand. The much-loved Cardiff church is to share in a £473,750 urgent funding pay-out from the National Churches Trust.
A £10,000 National Churches Trust Grant will help to pay for urgent repairs and the installation of new accessible toilets and kitchen in Trinity Centre, ensuring the church can thrive today and tomorrow.
Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said:
“I’m delighted that the National Churches Trust is able to support Trinity Centre with funding for urgent repairs and major renovation of its facilities. This will safeguard the unique heritage of this ancient and historic church and keep ensure it can better serve its community.”
“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them open and thriving.”
Reverand Cathy Gale, Chair of the Trinity Centre, said:
“We are very grateful to the National Churches Trust for their generous grant to help us to renovate and improve facilities at the Trinity Centre.”
“The Trinity Centre provides a vital service to many people in desperate need, but the building is now in urgent need of repair and updating to enable it to stay open. The National Churches Trust grant means we will be able to help more people in need and it will secure the long-term future of this important historic building, which has been at the heart of our community for over 125 years.”
How the grant will help the church
The funding will facilitate the completion of urgent structural repairs; create a new strengthened 1st floor, as the current floor is inadequate, install lift access to 1st floor and install new accessible toilets on both floors and create a new kitchen.
More about Trinity Church
The church is a beautiful Grade II listed building. Built in 1896 as the Newport Road Wesleyan Methodist Church, this elaborate, late 19th century chapel is a significant landmark on a principal arterial route into Cardiff.
The original architect was Ingall and Sons of Birmingham whose design presents a powerful architectural composition, anchored by its spire.
Internally, the transepts and sanctuary contain stalls for worshippers which still remain, together with a working organ.
The hammerbeam roof, carried by colonnettes with elaborate foliate capitals, is enhanced by light from the stained-glass windows.
Two plaques commemorate Robert and Sir Charles Hayward Bird, who were both Mayor (and latterly) Lord Mayor of Cardiff but also leading lights in the United Methodist Church (1908-1932) which then merged with the United Methodists, the Wesleyan Methodists and the Primitive Methodists to form what we now know as the Methodist Church.
Significant help for churches
Thirty-three churches across the UK will stay open and in good repair thanks to £473,750 of funding awarded and recommended by the National Churches Trust in this latest round of grants. Find out about all of the churches at: https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/news/33-churches-saved-future-our-latest-grants
In 2022, the National Churches Trust made over 255 grant awards to churches throughout the United Kingdom, with funding totalling more than £1.95m.
In 2023, grants continue to be available churches of any Christian denomination that are open for regular worship to fund urgent repairs, maintenance, installing toilets or kitchens and feasibility studies to develop projects. Full details are at: nationalchurchestrust.org/grants
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