St Stephen's Church in West Bowling has been awarded a grant from the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust to fund vital repairs.

The Trust has distributed nearly £80,000 in grants to twelve churches across Yorkshire, including a £9,000 grant for St Stephen’s to restore its West Window, which has been boarded up since storm damage in 2020. 

According to Telegraph & Argus, the Grade II-listed church, constructed in the 1860s at an estimated cost of £2,500, is set to benefit from these much-needed repairs.

The Trust’s support extends to various churches and chapels in areas such as Hornsea, Halifax, and Leyburn, representing multiple denominations, including Methodist, United Reformed, and Church of England.

St Stephen’s plays an active role in community outreach.

The church currently offers temporary housing in its grounds for Billy, a street sleeper, through a partnership with Hope Housing.

This initiative includes a purpose-built pod, as well as access to food and shower facilities, while Hope Housing provides the necessary support for transitioning to permanent accommodation.

St Stephen’s also runs other community services, such as counselling sessions and its one-stop hub, SHINE, which offers comprehensive support for residents of West Bowling.