Hope Chapel in Hebden Bridge is inviting people to pop in on Saturday, September 13, with photographs, stories and other material about their connections and memories of chapel life.
The church is one of the locations on a ‘Tour d’Eglises’ organised by Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust, as part of a Heritage Open Day. Chapel doors are open between 11am and 4pm and teas, coffees and home-made cakes will also be served.
Hope Chapel has recently completed a £500,000 repair project in partnership with English Heritage and has applied for funding to complete repair works and make improvements to visitor facilities. On Saturday, members of the church will scan people’s photographs and documents and record their stories.
Development Manager Ann Liston said:”‘We are delighted that the building has been restored to its original condition. But the history of this chapel is about the people in this town for whom it has provided a sanctuary and community space over the years.
“Many visitors have tales about coming here for school carol services, Sunday school lessons or other landmark events in their lives - particularly older members of the community.
“We already have a large archive of documents, artefacts and photographs from this church and from others in the area that have closed over recent years.
“A current funding application includes a project to safeguard and share our heritage, so this open day event will help us build a more complete and richer portfolio of material.”
More information at www.hope-baptist.org.uk or http://www.yhct.org.uk/news/ride-stride-2014/