New plans for church which closed more than 10 years ago
St James' Church in New Bury, Farnworth, has been closed to worshippers since 2012 – but soon a new congregation could return the building to its original use.
The Church of England posted the new draft proposal on the building's entrance, with assurances that the churchyard would remain public and graves would not be disturbed.
A public consultation is underway, but the diocese said they are looking forward to seeing the historic building be once again used for Christian worship.
Christ Apostolic Church Dominion Outreach, a church which was started over a hundred years ago in Nigeria, is in the process of buying the building.
A spokesperson for the Church of England's Diocese of Manchester said: 'We are pleased that St James' Church in Farnworth may soon be brought back into use as a place of Christian worship, following its closure in 2012.
'The church has been empty for some time, and we welcome the opportunity for it to once again serve the local community in this way.
'Subject to the outcome of the public consultation and the necessary arrangements being put in place, we look forward to seeing Christian worship return to this historic building through the ministry of Christ Apostolic Church.'
Have a story? Get in touch at eoin.mccaul@newsquest.co.uk
Ezekiel Oladele, senior pastor at Christ Apostolic Church, said that they are pleased to be able to revive the church for its original purpose.
He said: 'We're a Christian organisation and we're going to use the property for what it was meant to be used as.
'It was built as a place of worship, and it's also good that we can get a property that's been formerly used as a place of worship.
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'We have enough members who are dedicated and ready to make sure that the property is well attended.
'If you are there you will not be happy what has happened to the building – all the facilities have been vandalised – all the windows and all the doors have been destroyed.
'The community will be happy that it will be put to use again.'
The church had been up for sale for £100,000.
In early 2022, a draft scheme published by Church of England commissioners under the church buildings disposal scheme, gave details of proposals to create an art gallery, exhibition space and an artist's studio at the building.
There are a large number of graves, including Commonwealth war graves in the churchyard, which was closed for burials in 2011.
The graveyard is maintained by the council and public access to graves continues.
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