The tower at the Jesuit-run Church of the Holy Name of Jesus in Manchester is in its final phase of repairs. The tower has been on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register for years, but thanks to the generous donations of supporters and the National Churches Trust, a series of urgent repair works are being carried out to save this important heritage for the future.

Significant water damage over time has led to dry rot, which has weakened the tower. Waterproofing is needed as the William Hill organ sits under the tower and is at risk if the tower is not sealed soon. The restoration of the tower will also address structural issues and prevent further damage. If you would like to donate towards this work, you can still do so here (Donate | Jesuits in Britain) using the drop-down menu.

Holy Name Church is an architectural landmark in Manchester and attracts many visitors to pray. The church also hosts open days so that people can learn about the heritage and history of the building and hosts several concerts a week. It is also the focal point for the Manchester Universities Catholic Chaplaincy, which is served by the Jesuits.

Alongside donations from supporters, a £10,000 National Churches Trust Grant will help to pay for urgent repairs. This grant will help make the tower safe again, as well as watertight.

Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said:

"The National Churches Trust is delighted to be able to support Church of the Holy Name of Jesus in Manchester to enable them to carry out urgent tower repairs to their beautiful building. Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help to keep the church building open and serving local people.”

“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”

Fr Dushan Croos SJ, Lead Chaplain at Church of the Holy Name, said:

“I first knew Holy Name Church as a student at the University of Manchester, and I still remember how its beauty and peace struck me. Now, as Lead Chaplain, I see how important this church and the chaplaincy are for students far from home and for the many others who visit it.”

“The National Churches Trust grant for the tower restoration will help ensure that Holy Name remains a place of peace and beauty for generations to come.”

More about Holy Name Church

The Roman Catholic church was built in 1867-71 by Joseph A Hansom but completed in 1928 when the tower was added by Adrian Gilbert Scott. It’s been built in a 13th century Gothic style from sandstone rubble and has steeply pitched slate roofs.

It received Grade I listing in 1989 having been Grade II* listed in 1963.

The church was built by the Jesuits at the request of the first Bishop of Salford for the growing Irish immigrant communities. It remained a busy parish ministering to 3000 people for over 100 years.

Following housing clearances and population dispersal to new suburbs in the 1960s, the church ceased to be a parish in 1994 and served instead the university population as the church of the Manchester Universities Catholic chaplaincy, still served by the Jesuits.

If you would like to learn more about this project, Fr Dushan was interviewed by Radio Maria England a few weeks ago about the latest restoration work. You can listen to the interview in full here.