News / St Pauls
‘Neglected’ church appeals for funds to fix tower
The tower of St Agnes Church is a well-known landmark next to the M32 on the way into Bristol.
But it is in serious danger of collapsing with an alleyway next to the church already closed due to falling masonry from the tower and a wooden porch erected above the main entrance to protect people from the danger.
Efforts have begun to raise the necessary funds to repair the tower but the vicar of the church says it should not be solely up to the congregation to raise the money, criticising church authorities for what she claims is them ignoring their plight.
is needed now More than ever
Services including funerals and baptisms gave been disrupted by the precarious nature of the tower, which needs £250,000 to fix.
The main area of the church – built in 1886 – including some windows and keystones have also suffered some minor damage.
Melanie Otto has been vicar of St Agnes since 2021 – photo: Martin Booth
St Agnes vicar Melanie Otto said the church “is at the heart of the Windrush community”.
“This church is so important to the Black community,” Otto told Bristol24/7 on a recent afternoon.
She is disappointed that more funding has not been provided by the Church of England to help repair St Agnes; in sharp contrast to All Saints Church on Corn Street which is having major repairs despite not even having a congregation.
“I think it would be really great if the Church of England actually gave us some money and I have tried because I think this is a racial justice issue as well,” Otto added.
“This area of St Paul’s has been neglected for so many years… People here do feel neglected and do feel like the church doesn’t really care.
“St Paul’s is an important area to the city but actions speak louder than words.”
An alleyway next to St Agnes Church on Thomas Street in St Paul’s is currently closed because of danger from falling masonry – photo: Martin Booth
Only £20 has so far been raised in an online crowdfunder but many parishioners have given their own money to the collection plate after services at the church.
“I do feel really humbled when somebody who doesn’t have much gives us something because they feel they want to support,” Otto added.
“But this isn’t a social club for those of us who are inside the church.
“It is a resource for the whole community and we want to make it accessible to everybody.”
St Agnes Church is next to St Agnes Park – photo: Martin Booth
A Diocese of Bristol spokesperson said: “The Diocese of Bristol deeply values its relationship with St Agnes, recognising the church’s vibrant ministry, resilient leadership, and vital role in serving and connecting with its community.
“We also remain committed to walking alongside St Agnes in this challenging season.
“While we cannot offer direct financial contributions, we are actively investing time, expertise and strategic support to help the parish unlock funding, build capacity and realise its vision for ministry and mission.”
The diocese spokesperson say they are providing “significant strategic and operational support to help the parish raise the necessary funds to repair the tower”, including the coordination of structural surveys, risk assessments, and budget planning to define the full scope of the tower repairs.
Diocesan staff say they have identified around £238,000 “in immediately available reserves” with an additional £117,000 “potentially accessible from existing parish trust funds”; as well as supporting the church in identifying and applying for external grants.
The diocese does not provide direct financial contributions to tower repair campaigns for any parish church but is proceeding with “essential” roof repairs at the closed All Saints Church on Corn Street because they are legally required to maintain the building.
Funds for the repairs to the church where Edward Colston was buried come from the ‘Diocesan Pastoral Account’ which is specifically designated for maintaining closed churches.
Despite not having a congregation, the Diocese of Bristol is paying for repairs to All Saints Church on Corn Street – photo: Martin Booth
The spokesperson added: “Given All Saints’ location and proximity to other buildings, with which it shares walls, surveyors have confirmed there are significant risks to public safety should we not carry out this work.
“All Saints is historically linked to Edward Colston and the transatlantic chattel enslavement.
“The Diocese is currently consulting with community leaders, particularly from African-Caribbean heritage groups, to explore future uses of the building.”
To donate to the crowdfunder, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/st-agnes-tower-appeal
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
