The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded a grant of £30,128 through its Repair Grants for Places of Worship (RPOW) scheme to conserve and sustain the Grade B listed building, which was built in 1846 in the traditional barn style.  The programme of works will include repairs to the roof and the preservation of interior decorative features, particularly the ceiling and the ceiling rose. 

The works are due to be completed by late spring and the Project Coordinators, Mr Jim Bailie Lindsay and Neil Brown are delighted that it will continue to serve the community as a Place of Worship for many years to come. Welcoming news of the award Mr Bailie Lindsay, said: "The people of Killinchy have come to worship in this Church for over 150 years and it is such a valuable building, not only as a Place of Worship but in terms of its architecture and history. This funding will enable us to undertake the urgent repairs to ensure that it continues to serve the local community for future generations, and on behalf of the congregation I would like to thank HLF for its support." 

HLF has given over £30 million to repair and restore religious centres since it began distributing funds over a decade ago. Hundreds of places of worship have benefited from funding which has enabled them to restore their roofs, preserve their stained glass windows and repair the damage caused by nature. Paul Mullan, Head of HLF Northern Ireland, said: “We are delighted to support this project which will allow the continued use of the Church and prevent the loss of this important local heritage asset.”

The RPOW funding programme provides grants of up to £100,000 for urgent and necessary repairs to places of worship and is open to all faith groups and denominations. The next deadline for applications to the scheme is 31st March 2009. 

Further information 

HLF Northern Ireland on 028 9032 0120.