£50,000 Christmas gift gives Penllergaer church a new lease of life

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.”

The ornate Gothic door at St David’s opens into a space in need of care — with peeling paint and signs of wear. (Image: Rev John Gillibrand)A quiet corner of St David’s Church, where light filters through leaded glass and restoration is sorely needed. (Image: Rev John Gillibrand)Historic architecture meets modern utility — a corner of St David’s Church where leaded glass windows contrast with exposed pipes and storage units. (Image: Rev John Gillibrand)One of St David’s most cherished stained glass panels, depicting a central figure with children — a symbol of welcome and care. (Image: Rev John Gillibrand)Stained glass windows at St David’s Church carry messages of faith and heritage — now at risk from structural decay. (Image: Rev John Gillibrand)Water damage inside St David’s Church shows the impact of failing gutters and the urgent need for restoration. (Image: Rev John Gillibrand)The heart of St David’s Church — its nave and altar — framed by stained glass and vaulted beams, still serving the community. (Image: Rev John Gillibrand)

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.

National Churches Survey 2025: Key findings

Church buildings are deteriorating
22% say their building has worsened in the last five years. 38% report roofs at risk, and only 61% now have roofs in good condition (down from 70% in 2010).

Open for worship and community
80% hold weekly services, 42% are open daily, and 66% host music groups.

Modern facilities
82% have accessible entrances, 73% accessible toilets, and 58% offer Wi‑Fi. 42% now accept contactless donations.

Heritage treasures
49% have stained glass of artistic merit, 35% monuments of historic significance, and 27% fonts of artistic quality.

Community support
76% host coffee mornings or toddler groups, 56% distribute food, and 34% support people facing anxiety or isolation.

Volunteers and funding
83% rely on active volunteers, but 45% cite lack of time as a barrier. 77% depend on local giving, with 31% now using reserves to cover costs.

Fear for the future
1 in 20 churches say they may close by 2030 — around 2,000 UK‑wide. Rural churches are most at risk.

Read the full survey | Darllenwch yn Gymraeg

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.

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