A church in London known as the National Musicians' Church, will be made available to hire for public concerts to help the wellbeing of nearby workers and musicians struggling with the impact of the lockdown.
Announcing the move, the new Priest-in-Charge at St Sepulchre without Newgate (also known as Holy Sepulchre), Rev Nick Mottershead, said he hoped that opening the iconic building for concerts and other events would offer a much-needed boost to musicians given the challenges of the pandemic, and help to support the wellbeing of City workers and the rejuvenation of the City of London.
The church has made sure concerts will fit around choral and contemporary worship services and that income generated from the hiring will help the ministry of the church, its community work and sustaining the church building.
Rev Nick Mottershead also announced the agreement of a new partnership between Holy Sepulchre and nearby Christ Church Spitalfields to increase the capacity of both churches to build the Christian community in the City of London and increase social action work.
Rev Nick Mottershead said: "Holy Sepulchre has a fantastic opportunity to continue to support our City workers and our local communities, as workers begin to return to the City and live musical events can be carried out safely once more. There is an important role for us to play, helping to reinvigorate the City and supporting musicians, who have been disproportionately impacted by the restrictions of the past year, alongside our commitment to social action here and around the world.
"With this is mind, I'm delighted that the Parochial Church Council has decided to offer our church building to hire to musicians, community groups and members of the public. In addition, our emerging partnership with Christ Church Spitalfields means we will be able increase our missional work in this area of the City. After a uniquely challenging year, I hope that this will help to bring joy and support to musicians and City workers and ensure that Holy Sepulchre can be a place of welcome and a place of sanctuary for all people."
