St John\u2019s Church, Ranmoor, has launched a Save Our Spire appeal to raise money for much-needed refurbishments, including making repairs to its spire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The church hopes to raise \u00a31 million through local fundraising. A launch event was held on 1 March in order to showcase the aims of the appeal, and featured a choir performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
St John\u2019s Vicar Matthew Rhodes, said: \u201cWe\u2019re planning to repair the spire, and would like to upgrade the building. We don\u2019t have a refreshment area or accessible toilets and we\u2019re hoping to add those.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve received a grant of \u00a3100,000 from Sheffield Church Burgesses and so far we\u2019ve raised about \u00a330,000 in donations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
St John\u2019s plays a vital role in the Ranmoor community. Frequent events are held at the church, including Morning Prayer every Monday to Saturday and Board Games Cafe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rev Rhodes said: \u201cSt John\u2019s is nearly 146 years old and it was built for the owners of the steel industry in Sheffield. It\u2019s a very prominent building on the Sheffield skyline and has a thriving congregation and a very strong musical life with an outstanding choir.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Save Our Spire campaign is part of a long-term development plan for the church called the Inspire Project. It aims to have completed phase 1, which includes the work to the spire and tower, by the 150th anniversary of the church in 2029. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
St John\u2019s hopes to have raised enough money by 2026. Although there are multiple plans for the church\u2019s repairs, the Tower and Spire remain a priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alongside fundraising through grants and donations, the church will also be holding fundraising events over the next couple of years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rev Rhodes added: \u201cWe\u2019re just grateful for everyone\u2019s interest and generosity actually. People have been very kind and we hope we can start the work before too long.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n