By Julian Whittle

Last updated at 09:52, Friday, 01 May 2009

St John the Baptist’s Church at Croglin in the Eden Valley is set to close after repeated appeals for new church wardens brought no volunteers.

• Watch a video clip....

Croglin church

The parochial church council has voted unanimously to start formal closure proceedings.

There has been a church at Croglin since Norman times, although the present building dates from 1878.

The final regular Communion service will be taken by Canon Colin Randall, rector of Croglin, Holme Eden and Wetheral with Warwick, on Sunday, May 24 at 11am.

He said: “The village population has declined significantly so now there are fewer than 100 people in Croglin.

“This has had a corresponding impact on the congregation.

“The three members of the parochial church council have valiantly kept things going but they believe this is the best route forward, especially given the failure to find any church wardens despite public appeals.”

Mr Randall stressed that St John’s might still be saved if volunteers come forward, even at this late stage.

Mr Randall said the decision to start closure proceedings had not been taken without any warning.

“We had a public meeting four years ago to try and get more people involved,” Mr Randall said.

“Various letters have gone out to the whole village. We’ve done as much public consultation as we can.”

One of the stalwarts of the parochial church council, Stella Ferneley, died last year. Two of the three remaining members are aged over 80.

The closure process can take several years. In the meantime, the church will still be available for funerals, weddings and baptisms.

Before final closure, the Church of England has to be satisfied there is an alternative place of worship and provision for pastoral care.

The nearest churches to Croglin are three miles away at Cumrew and Renwick.

Objectors to closure can appeal to the Church commissioners and, ultimately, the Privy Council.

First published at 05:11, Friday, 01 May 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk