Friends of Friendless Churches
Friends of Friendless Churches is a non-profit organization that is active in England and Wales in the United Kingdom and is committed to the preservation of disused historic church buildings, especially if they differ from demolition, decay and inappropriate conversion ( reclassification ) are threatened.
In August 2010, the organization had 39 former churches and chapels, 19 in England and 20 in Wales. Most Anglican churches are the Church of England or the Church in Wales; also three private chapels, and the Strict and Particular Baptist Chapel in Waddesdon was a non-conformist chapel.
All church buildings held by the charitable organization are on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. She works closely with the Ancient Monuments Society.
History
The Friends of Friendless Churches were founded in 1957 by Ivor Bulmer -Thomas, a writer, MPs and Anglican clergyman. He was also the first chairman, the Board included other prominent politicians and architects. Originally put the organization only for the repair and restoration of church buildings. With the Pastoral Measure of 1968, the Redundant Churches Fund (now Churches Conservation Trust ) was established, which is why it was thought that the organization would not have to stand up for the preservation of church buildings.
However, the Church Commissioners could tear down some churches that had kept the management of Friends to be maintained, such as the Old St Matthew 's Church, Lightcliffe and St Peter 's Church in Wickham Bishops.
Then chose the organization in 1972, its constitution to be amended so that vulnerable buildings can be taken over by the acquisition of property or leasehold. The left standing bell tower of the otherwise demolished church in Lightcliffe was transferred as the first building to the organization.
On the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of a book entitled Saving Churches was published in 2007, the details of the history and descriptions of the churches includes.
In 2010, the Marquess of Anglesey, director of the organization, was spiritual director is Wyn Evans, Bishop of St David's. President is Marquess of Salisbury and chairman Roger Evans.
Finances
In England, the funds are usually applied by private donations and local fundraising campaigns, but also the organization receives grants from bodies such as English Heritage, as in the case of St Mary's Church in Mundon. In some of the churches local groups have formed, such as the Caldecote Church Friends or Friends of St Andrew's in Wood Walton. The organization also manages two endowment funds, of which one of Rev S. E. Cottam was launched.
Since 1999, the organization in Wales as the counterpart of the Churches Conservation Trust (which operates only in England ) recognized and consequently receives a subsidy that it assumes Anglican churches in their care. 70 % of these funds come from the government for Cadw, 30 % controls the Church in Wales at.
In the year ending March 31, 2009 financial year, the organization had revenue of £ 1,332,882, which came to 95.5 % from voluntary donations including government grants. A characteristic feature of voluntary contributions is that the donor receives nothing in return for the given money. These include grants from the government and other non-profit sources, and public donations, donations and legacies. 96.5 % of the expenditure of £ 715,478 was spent for activities of the organization throughout the year, two employees were employed.
Supervised churches
The division of the list into two sections for England and Wales reflects the earlier administration of the English churches by the Church of England and the Welsh churches reflected by the Church in Wales, as well as the different financing.