National Churches Trust grants us £25,000

5 January 2023

We're thrilled to announce we'll be receiving a £25k National Churches Trust Cornerstone Grant for urgent repairs to our Sunday School roof and brickwork, and to enable the installation of new accessible toilets.

The Grade II* Sunday School is a unique space, one of the few Nonconformist halls still retaining the original Akron plan: a large, airy, double height room with a 3-sided wrap-around balcony complete with original study booths and library.

Union Chapel Project will undertake an extensive refurbishment to enable a greater connection both to the heritage of our Nonconformist Church, the current activities of the Church and other Union Chapel events and charitable services, and embed the organisation as a driver for social change in Islington. The £25,000 National Churches Trust Cornerstone Grant will facilitate repairs to its roof and brickwork and enable the installation of accessible toilets.

The building complex is on the Heritage at Risk Register.

Broadcaster and journalist Huw Edwards, Vice President of the National Churches Trust, said:

"I’m delighted that the Islington Union Chapel is receiving an early Christmas gift with funding for urgent repairs and the installation of accessible toilets. This will safeguard unique local heritage and keep it open and in use for the benefit of local people.”

“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”

Rev Vaughan Jones, Minister of Union Chapel, said,

"In our 225 year history, Union Chapel has maintained its conviction to the liberating power of the Christian Gospel, We remain true to our Nonconformist conscience, in our openness to the needs of the community in which we are placed, our commitment to justice, and to freedom of worship. The three pillars of our church remain faith, art and justice. This generous award from the National Churches Trust will not only restore a beautiful space but also enable us to continue our historic mission. Thank you National Churches Trust.”

Learn more about the great support National Churches Trust are providing to churches across the nation here