A Victorian church at the heart of Penllergaer has received a £50,000 Christmas boost to help secure its future.
St David’s Church, built in 1886, has been battling failing gutters and water damage inside its stone walls. Plaster is flaking, and despite repairs to the slate roof, the building risked further deterioration as another harsh winter looms.
Now, thanks to the National Churches Trust and the Jane Hodge Foundation, urgent repairs will go ahead. The grant forms part of a £900,000 payout to keep churches across the UK open and in use.
Repairs to protect heritage
The funding will pay for new cast iron gutters and downpipes to direct water away from the building, alongside masonry repairs and repointing. The work will make the church watertight once more, preserving its stunning stained glass windows and ornate reredos for future generations.
Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said:
“The National Churches Trust is delighted to support St David’s Church to enable urgent repairs. Not only will this protect important heritage, but it will help keep the building open and serving local people.”
A community hub
Rev Dr John Gillibrand, Vicar at St David’s, welcomed the grant:
“This is wonderful news for St David’s Church and the wider community. Our journey after the pandemic has been to tackle maintenance issues with our Victorian building, which has such a significant place in local heritage. We want it to be a place of peace and unconditional welcome in 2025 too. This is indeed a new lease of life.”
He praised the dedication of parishioners and highlighted the church’s close ties with Penllergaer Primary School, whose staff and pupils regularly attend services.
Rich history
St David’s was originally built as a chapel of ease to Llangyfelach, funded by John Dillwyn Llewellyn of the influential local family. Although Llewellyn died before completion, many of his relatives are buried in the churchyard.
The building has evolved over time, with additions in the 1930s and later extensions including a porch and organ chamber. Today, it is known for its highly regarded stained glass and a striking mosaic reredos dating back to the 1920s.
Services are usually held in English, with a monthly Welsh service reflecting its heritage.
Looking ahead
With repairs now funded, St David’s can continue to serve as a vibrant hub for worship, reflection and community life in Penllergaer.
