St Paul’s Church Finds a New Home at Local Primary School
When St Paul’s Church closed in August, worshippers found a new home at St Paul’s CE Primary School thanks to Reader Susan Pilkington and Head of School Paul Morgan.
When St Paul’s Church in Astley Bridge closed its doors in August, worshippers faced uncertainty about where to gather. Thanks to an idea from Reader Susan Pilkington and support from the Head of School Paul Morgan, the congregation has been warmly welcomed into St Paul’s CE Primary School, just across the road. Since September, services and community activities have taken place in the school hall and community room, creating a close-knit environment that has strengthened ties between the church and the school.
Photo Credit: The Bolton News
This partnership has sparked a sense of unity, with pupils and worshippers collaborating on craft sessions, charity projects, and even plans for a peace garden. Attendance has grown, and the congregation says the move has brought renewed warmth and connection. While the future of the church building remains uncertain, the community spirit at the school shows that faith and fellowship can thrive beyond traditional walls.
Photo Credit: The Bolton News
Head of School Paul Morgan said: “I can’t express the impact this has had on the church community and our school. This new partnership has fostered a wonderful relationship between St Paul’s Church community, the school children, and staff.”
The collaboration has brought unexpected blessings, with attendance growing and new opportunities for connection. Safa, a Year Six Worship Leader, shared: “Spending time with our church family makes me feel part of their family too.”
Photo Credit: The Bolton News
Pictured above is Reader Susan Pilkington, who leads services in the church and school assemblies, in front of the cross that schoolchildren created for the church.
Susan said: “God has really helped us. As one door closed, another door opened. We had been praying that everything would be okay.”