Wait for glass delays reopening of Ripon church

The reopening of one of Ripon’s architectural gems is being held up.

The first phase of restoration of St Wilfrid’s Catholic Church was due to be completed by the end of this month. This would have allowed Easter celebrations to be held in the Grade II* Listed Building at Coltsgate Hill.

However, the delayed delivery of specialist glass means the reopening will now not take place until July.

Parish priest Canon Ian Smith told the Stray Ferret:

“It’s frustrating, because we are eager to have the church back in use for services and private prayer.

Photo of Canon Ian Smith and Barrie Price in St Wilfrid's Catholic Church

Pictured in St Wilfrid’s before the start of restoration work are Canon Ian Smith and parishioner Barrie Price, chair of fundraising.

“It is a beautiful building and it will be great to see it back to its former glory.”

While the first element of the £500,000 restoration work has been underway, socially-distanced services have been held in the adjacent St Wilfrid’s Community Centre.

Fr Ian said:

“To meet social distancing requirements, the number of parishioners who can come to services is restricted.

“Parishioners wishing to attend need to book in advance, by calling Anne Storey on 01765 605632.”

In anticipation of larger congregations over Easter, additional seating will be available in a room next to the community centre hall.

Masses taking place in the hall can be viewed on a screen.

Services at St Wilfrid’s are held at 4pm and 5.30pm on Saturdays, 9am and 10.30am on Sundays and 9.15am Tuesday to Friday.

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St. Wilfrid’s, which opened in 1862, is recognised as one of finest parish churches in England.

In 1909, fittings from the private chapel at nearby Studley Royal, were transferred to St Wilfrid’s following the death of the Marquess of Ripon — the city’s first mayor since the reformation.

The marquess, who converted to Catholicism, had previously created the Lady Chapel within the church.

The church has many other ornate features, including classic reredos screens designed by Victorian architect Edward Pugin. They provide dramatic backdrops to the high altar and side altar, dedicated to St Joseph.

The restoration follows years of fundraising by parishioners and awards from trusts, boosted by a £75,000 grant from Historic England.

The grant from Historic England will  eventually enable construction of a south porch extension, including toilets.