Urgent Fundraiser for OLEM's Tower Repairs

We are urgently seeking donations of at least £300,000 to address a shortfall in funding for the tower repairs contract.

Like people and their homes, church buildings require constant maintenance to ensure that they remain in good condition and that any health and safety issues are addressed. Our goal is to keep this beautiful church as a vibrant place of worship at the heart of our wonderful city.

Over the years, we have worked to enhance various aspects of the church, including the sound, lighting, and the restoration of important works of art, all while ensuring that this remains a place of worship rather than a museum.

However, we have now reached a critical point where OLEM requires substantial and costly repairs. Some of the features that contribute to OLEM’s Grade One status—such as its fine exterior, numerous intricate stone carvings, and overall elegance—are now at risk due to weathering and traffic conditions. These features need urgent attention to preserve their aesthetic, cultural, and spiritual value, and to prevent them from becoming a hazard to the congregation, visitors, and other users of the building.

There are two immediate and necessary projects:

1. Masonry repairs to the bell tower: This includes securing existing masonry and replacing crumbling and potentially dangerous finials and other carved stonework.

2. Urgent repairs to the south aisle roof: This will help prevent water leakage into both the south aisle and the nave.

We have been actively fundraising at OLEM to begin some of the necessary tower repairs; however, we are currently facing a shortfall of £300,000 which is hindering our ability to complete further repairs.

Please help us by donating today! Your support is crucial to preserving this important landmark.