DEMOLITION plans for a picturesque little church with a growing congregation are dividing churchgoers and residents in the village of Eldwick.

Eldwick Church has sat at the top of the village in Otley Road since 1893, but now faces a uncertain physical future due to a new coalition of Anglican and Methodist worshippers.

Originally named St Lawrence's after the patron saint of woolcombers, it was a Church of England place of worship built by community donations.

But following the closure of the village's Methodist chapel it became an ecumenical church and an increase in use and activity means it is now thought too small for purpose.

So trustees have proposed either replacing it with a new bigger church, complete with a coffee area or adding a large extension at the back.

But villagers are unhappy with the idea of losing the building where generations have held christenings, marriages and funerals, said local historian and author Allan Mirfield.

"The point we're trying to put is that although the 3,900 residents may not attend the church, they still think it's a building of great significance to the village," Mr Mirfield said.

"The church trustees have not openly publicised the possible new building, but from what we've seen it looks like a cross between a supermarket and a medical centre.

"It has a big glass conservatory at the front which will be a coffee area.

"People would agree with the need to get people to go to church and that's presumably some kind of policy.

"But people are really attached to the building, people's ashes have been scattered around it and there really is a feeling that it belongs to the village too."

Mr Mirfield said the Village Society was strongly opposed to demolition and its Facebook page was full of treasured pictures of family events at the church sent in by opponents.

Eldwick Church warden and treasurer Richard Arnold explained the need for change to what he called an "iconic" building.

"Following the merger of the two churches four years ago we have arrived in this position. The church obviously has a lot of sentimental attachment and people's reaction is understandable," Mr Arnold said.

"But we only have seating for about 90 people and our average attendance is 70, so it can be impossible to accommodate big weddings or funerals.

"Some weeks it's comfortable, others it's very cramped.

"Also the timber church hall is 40 years old and its shelf life runs out by the end of the decade."

Mr Arnold said original plans for a new building had been revisited to make it more sympathetic and the extension plan had also been improved so that no changes would now be visible in approaching the old building.

Residents and churchgoers are invited to a public meeting on the proposals on Thursday at 7.30pm in the church hall.

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