Finalists 2024
We're very excited to announce the finalists in the National Church Awards 2024
This year, the National Church Awards will be celebrating the dedication, care and impact of the people who care for the UK’s wonderful church buildings and who share them with others.
Whether that is keeping a church, chapel or meeting house well maintained, opening it up for visitors or running a community project from the building, we want to hear about the amazing ways the teams at your church are making a difference. We want to partner with you to help celebrate their brilliant efforts in keeping churches open and serving local people.
The awards this year have been inspired by the work and legacy of Lord Patrick Cormack, a champion of church buildings, who dedicated his life to helping to keep the UK’s churches open and in use – and who worked with many different organisations to make this happen.
Where the church has a page on our website, we have linked to it. If the name of the church is underlined, simply click or tap to find out more about the building or plan a visit.
Church of the year
Together with our partners we will judge all the awards between August and September. At a final panel, judges will choose one of the winning churches to be our Church of the Year, to be announced at the National Church Awards on 22 October 2024.
Church volunteer awards
The Church & Community Volunteer Awards are run in partnership with the Marsh Charitable Trust. These awards celebrate the vital contribution which volunteers make to both looking after and making best use of churches to benefit local communities and people.
As part of the submission we asked : What is your star community activity?
"Really difficult! However, our 'star' choice is the unique audio trail created with our volunteers and people living with dementia. Five ethereal historic characters sit in church ready to tell their story, as recorded by our dementia friends."
"Approximately 50 emergency food parcels are delivered to homes in need each month. The volunteers source food supplies, pack parcels and deliver the food. We can then refer those we deliver to our other services at the Wellness Hub."
Gorleston on Sea : St Mary Magdalene
"Our weekly lunch club brings a hot, nutritious meal in a supportive small group community environment with emergency help and longer term advice services (mental health, financial and signposting). Fifteen volunteers serve 55 vulnerable adults each week."
Langthwaite : St Mary
"Our craft groups are probably our star activity at the moment as they have enabled many housebound or isolated residents to socialise and enjoy activities that they would otherwise not have the opportunity to."
"Our volunteers' empathy, patience, and compassion when supporting some of the most vulnerable in our community it vital. A great example is ‘Music for the Moment’ dementia events and the ‘Comfortable lunchtime concerts’ for people with disabilities."
Norton Lees : St Paul
"Providing a response to the cost of living crisis has been very rewarding, but what has been most amazing is how diverse parts of our community have become engaged and active. It has created links not previously existing."
As part of the submission we asked : What is your star community activity?
Gellionnen : Gellionnen Chapel
"Activities. There are many. The best one that makes us proud is our first Christmas video, made during Covid when our chapel was closed. Details and viewing can be found on our website."
"We're most proud not of activities (of which there are many), but the welcome when there's no one there. Led by our Gwenda, the church is always clean and tidy, with well-maintained fresh bean to cup coffee machine and tray of cakes for passerby."
Tremeirchion : Corpus Christi
"Fixing a large number of stiles and gates and clearing the local footpaths."
As part of the submission we asked : What is your star community activity?
Dalmilling : St Quivox
"This summer we were able to take 144 individuals away for a summer trip to the safari park. Our parish is based in Ayr North which is an area of extreme deprivation, so to be able to take these families out for a day was the highlight of our year."
Hamilton : St Mary the Virgin
"The church has a café run by locals, bringing even more people into the church and the facilities, to experience a safe and inclusive environment. This is promoted by the church and St Mary’s for All, through social media posts, banners and events."
Mussleburgh : Musselburgh Congregational Church
"We are most proud of the fact that the AA has used the small hall on a weekly basis for many years. Because of the nature of the group we play no part in it but work behind the scenes to ensure that they have complete privacy."
As part of the submission we asked : What is your star community activity?
Belfast : Redeemer Central
"Over the last 18 months a beautiful community has developed.40-50 folks enjoying food together every week. Some guests have now joined our Sunday gatherings alongside others volunteering on Friday nights and this is a gift."
"We are most proud of the warm welcome we offer through new hospitality facilities in the church, which allows the building to be used for recitals, concerts, talks, tours and as a hub for our whole community to connect and grow."
Portstewart : St John the Baptist, Agherton Parish
"Members of the congregation have become godparents to fifteen Iranian men. A group of asylum seekers regularly attend morning worship. This group now attends weekly bible studies and are integrated into the life of the church."
Church tourism awards
We believe that churches should be open and welcoming for visitors to explore. Every church can give a warm welcome and has a story to tell. Millions of people visit churches every year; whether popping in on a day trip or as part of a walk, attending a wedding, or as a church crawler or heritage explorer.
As part of the submission we asked : Why is being open important to you?
Berden : St Nicholas
"We believe that St Nicholas's is a community building, not just a place of worship. By using the church for a wide range of activities it removes potential barriers and lets the community know that the church is open to everyone, at any time."
Chilworth : St Augustine's Abbey
"We are open daily, we welcome all as Christ, offering prayers and spiritual support. Our diverse visitors, including the public, clergy and potential monks, find nourishment and guidance here, helping us sustain our monastery's mission and future."
"Our church was bult by the people of Leeds for the people of Leeds and it’s our legacy of custodians of the building to share this hidden jewel with the city through our open door."
"Opening shows relevance to a community beyond congregation. It demonstrates trust and inclusivity as a gesture of welcome appreciated by people who may not attend church services but want to spend time within the confines of a calm, sacred space."
"An unlocked door with a welcome sign, tells people that the church is there for everyone, every day to say a prayer and have some peace and solace, to look at the church’s architecture or learn its heritage."
As part of the submission we asked : Why is being open important to you?
"Just because we're closed doesn't mean we can't be open. We are no longer a worshiping community, but we still pride ourselves on being open for visitors and a hub for the community, continuing to tell the story of faith and community."
Llannefydd : St Nefydd & St Mary
"St Nefydd St Mary is one of those places of worship that are not only embedded in their community but also embody it. It is ‘embedded’ geographically; literally in the heart of the village - even its mediaeval Llan wall is heart shaped! And the stones of this church ‘embody’ its community, too; through its architecture and its history, it is arguably the most meaningful connection with our ancestors we have."
As part of the submission we asked : Why is being open important to you?
Eriskay : St Michael
"The two principal reasons for staying open are, firstly - to provide a place of prayer and sanctuary for the community and visitors alike; secondly - to display the heritage of the community and enable people to experience it for themselves."
Tundergarth : Tundergarth Church
"Our board members each hold personal connections to the site; those relating to faith, family, home and the PanAm 103 attack. Keeping the site open is paramount to our mission to afford others the chance to experience all that the site has to offer."
As part of the submission we asked : Why is being open important to you?
Belfast : Sinclair Seamen's Presbyterian
"A live church one of the last original buildings in the area from 1857 its unique architectural exterior and interior maritime theme a congregation est1854 its link to maritime history and seamen’s welfare sitting amongst the Harbour redevelopment."
"We are here to serve our community and communicate the love of God to as many people as possible. Each time we open our doors we offer a warm welcome and a place of friendship and contemplation."
Killinchy : Killinchy Parish Church
"Our church dates from the Celtic period, with the first written record dated 1306 - we have over 1500 years of stories to share, and being open means that we can generate greater awareness of the rich heritage of the church and surrounding area."
Church conservation awards
These awards celebrate the great care taken of churches, chapels and meeting houses across the UK. They honour the dedication and time spent maintaining the buildings, keeping them safe and able to serve local people for generations to come.
As part of the submission we asked : What’s the best thing about being involved in looking after your church?
Blundellsands : St Nicholas
"Knowing that the time and dedication has been worthwhile in this its 150th anniversary year.
I am proud to have played a significant role in maintaining a treasured gem of local history. Coveting the skills and support of an elderly but keen team of willing volunteers has been an enormously rewarding experience.
Each chapter has been an immense challenge and I have been fortunate to have had the support of several vicars and members of the congregation including a professor, doctor and accountant.
We have a keen, thriving and knowledgeable Heritage Team who often host extremely popular events and provide guided tours to members of the public."
"Lots of things, not just one. Starting a process of bringing the church back into the heart of our community. Feeling that we have done our part to cherish and enhance an asset of local and wider importance for future generations. Making our bellringers happy. Engaging with amazing craftspeople and conservators.
Meeting lots of new people who are equally passionate about churches. Sharing what we have learnt with other churches and hearing that they too are succeeding in their projects. We have contributed to the projects at Vicar’s Close in Wells, the project to do major work to the church in Porlock and a major project for the nearby church at Stowey. All of these projects are now being funded by NLHF [National Lottery Heritage Fund]."
"Although hard work, this project has been very rewarding as we are now able to see this Burges church in all its glory. The grime of 150 years has been removed and it is as fresh as the day it was built.
Just as there was public grief over the loss and the fire, we now have public joy at its rebirth. People of Fleet have their beautiful church back. For the first time in eight years, we have weddings, baptisms and funerals. Remembrance services, carol concerts and musical recitals have returned, and every Sunday new people attend the services. We love to see the joy of visitors as they enter the church.
For many of us we can again enter our spiritual home. All Saints has been reinstated to its rightful position as our parish church."
Geddington : St Mary Magdalene
"Our church is a striking building in the centre of the village. A noble tower and tall spire point to the Heavens. For our volunteers the best thing is working as part of a team & feeling part of the community. Whether cleaning inside or working outside, the comradeship with a purpose makes for a special experience which also contributes to personal wellbeing.
Taking distinct projects through to completion achieves this. Thus, restoration of the reredos took over five years from fundraising to completion. We are all pleased and satisfied now it has finally become a reality. People know that by working together they have helped preserve and enhance our amazing building, of which we are only temporarily the guardians and stewards."
"The best thing about being involved with the church is to see the joy that it provides to the wider community. Although the core congregation is relatively small, this swells many times over for the key services at Harvest Festival and the Christmas Carol Service. Many who attend on an irregular basis have said that they would be devastated if the church was no more."
"The building and heritage of St Sampsons will be in much better condition, allowing the use by the community and for contemporary worship. Allowing more people to explore, understand and value the heritage of the church and its important place in the wider community."
As part of the submission we asked : What’s the best thing about being involved in looking after your church?
Newry : Cathedral of St Patrick & St Coleman
"St Mary’s Altinure was built in 1871.
"Newry Cathedral is a very special building. It is very ornate with mosaics from the ground to the ceiling. Situated in the centre of Newry city it is visited by many people on a daily basis. There is a special ethos in the Cathedral conducive to prayer and contemplation and many people say that it is the nicest Cathedral in Ireland.
As the mother church of Dromore Diocese, people from the 22 parishes come to it on special occasions, such as Holy Thursday, Ordinations and Diocesan celebrations. People from the Parish Pastoral Council gather on a regular basis to do a deep clean of the church and especially before all big diocesan occasions."
Portglenone : Portglenone Church of Ireland
"Our church is the oldest church in the village, and we take great pride in ensuring that it is well kept and maintained. We invite members of the other churches in the village to our special events and we had joint Harvest and Carol services with our local presbyterian members and united the choirs.
The graveyard is of special interest to visitors looking for their ancestors and we ensure the graveyard is maintained. Our church is linked with the History and Heritage Society in the village, and we organise visits to the church."
Strabane : Church of the Immaculate Conception
"It's that feel good factor. We all feel an immense sense of pride looking after the church for future generations knowing that our work will be there long after we are gone. It helps us feel connected to our community because they are so proud and appreciative of our work, which improves our mental health, and we get a sense of achievement through learning and passing on skills and knowledge to other churches, working as part of a team, and making friends.
Looking after our church, developing our museum and running tours has also inadvertently made Strabane a better place to live, work and visit. It has added vibrancy to the town and increased footfall through increased visitor numbers, boosting our local economy."
Church architecture awards
The church architecture awards are run in partnership with the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association (EASA). They honour excellence and creativity in church architecture. There are three awards.
The King of Prussia Gold Medal is for innovative, high quality church conservation or repair work.
Blandford Forum : St Peter & St Paul
Benjamin + Beauchamp Architects Ltd
St Peter & St Paul is arguably the best Georgian church outside London and stands at the very heart of its community.
The campaign of works included complete reroofing and relaying of all lead gutters with a full scaffold and temporary roof. High-level masonry conservation, repointing and localised rebuilding, below-ground drainage works. Structural repairs to roof and vaulted ceiling timbers. Insulating of vaulted plaster ceilings over nave, aisles and transepts. Roof void access improvements and re-lighting. Plaster repairs, conservation and redecoration with re-gilding to the apse hemi-dome ceiling.
The congregation are warmer and this in part has facilitated a growth in regular numbers. Energy bills are also lower, ensuring more money can be spent on mission and fabric. There are no leaks in the building for the first time. The works have returned pride of place to the church and have helped bring the church closer to being taken off the Heritage At Risk register
Bowden Hill : St Anne
Benjamin + Beauchamp Architects Ltd
The building was at risk of being permanently closed which would have led to its eventual collapse.
The very fine lettering that follows the curve of the extrados was carved after the arch was originally built so the lettering also followed the uneven courses. It was crucial that the masonry was placed in exactly the same place it was 167 years ago.
The PCC and local community are excited about its future plans as a community building. The repair works may have extended the life of the building, but the PCC are giving it a renewed purpose that will last for generations.
Benjamin + Beauchamp Architects Ltd
12th century church with Victorian and medieval wall paintings, War Memorial window by Karl Parsons, norman and fomanesque features, Tudor Monument to Sir John Newton and seven Hunky Punks.
The project brought together a team of expert conservators, each focussing on a specific part of the church, using their specialism and experience to safeguard the heritage significance of the building.
Project Newton offered an opportunity to conserve and showcase the most significant fabric of the church at once, to share new-found understanding of this fabric with the wider community, to record the conservation works undertaken and to ensure its survival for future generations.
Roderick Shelton Ltd
The 15th century St Mary's stands on a hilltop at the centre of a very beautiful village in Suffolk as a magnificent landmark in architectural splendour. St Mary's majestic tower, reckoned to be one of the fifty finest medieval church towers in England, dominates the skyline of Dedham Vale and can be seen from miles around.
This very significant church was on the Heritage at Risk register because of serious deficiencies in the standard of early 20th century repairs which had involved backfilling voids around timber with concrete. Shallow bedding of structural stonework had caused serious structural faults which resulted in the partial collapse of the south elevation. All repairs were executed in accordance with SPAB Principles using appropriate traditional materials.
The church remained fully functional.
The Presidents' Award celebrates the best new church building, including re-ordering, extensions or alterations to existing church buildings.
Belgravia : St Mary Bourne Street
Matthew Lloyd Architects
Built in 1874, the church has been beautified by successive generations and remains strangely simple and peaceful. St Mary’s marks 150 years in 2024, with the project significantly enhancing the church’s facilities, providing inclusive access to new and existing spaces.
Notwithstanding the extensive works undertaken, the proposals are carefully carved and woven through the fabric of existing buildings and enhance the most significant features whilst minimising disruption. The project has been transformative - sensitively connecting and opening-up the existing buildings without compromising on the core improvements to ancillary provision, inclusivity and facilities.
Edinburgh : Chalmers Church
LDN Architects
The primary aim of the transformation project has been to support the building’s return to full-time ecclesiastical use, following a period as a student performance space.
This has fully unlocked Chalmers Church Edinburgh’s ability to host larger events and functions, reinforced by a well-equipped commercial kitchen, upgraded toilets, staff facilities and clever storage spaces.
The resounding success of the project is exemplified by the revitalisation of Chalmers Church as an open and welcoming place of worship for the local community.
Heswall : The Lighthouse Church
shedkm
The Lighthouse Church is designed to accommodate a wide range of mission and outreach events, inspired by the church’s vision for growth and community engagement. Both regular church attendance and daily footfall have increased markedly since completion of the new building. Conceived as a simple, rigorous volume that extends the full depth of the site, the church offers a welcoming front to both adjoining streets.
The building is geared towards simplicity and usability, starting with a strong simple pitched volume, inspired by ecclesiastical forms, beneath which the main spaces are organised. The worship space is at its heart, lit by clerestory glazing and flanked by a hospitality area and a community hall. These spaces are separated by carefully designed containing flexible rooms which can be opened up to extend the main spaces.
Charles Cowan Architect
All Saints was built in Early English style with stepped lancets in 1888-90, by Aston Webb for Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones. The church is constructed of snecked Llanymynech limestone masonry with Grimshall freestone dressings under a steeply pitched slate roof with gable parapets and Celtic cross finial to the east.
This simple church has been transformed into a warm, quiet spiritual space that touches those who visit it, whether or not from a religious background. It has also become a beacon to the optimism and dedication of the church community, who have worked tirelessly to create a building that serves the community in this struggling area of Mid Wales.
Tanworth in Arden : St Mary Magdalene
Communion Architects
The scheme has achieved four things that were important to the church and its community: improved accessibility, provision of a large space for flexible use, improved facilities for serving refreshments and creation of additional toilet facilities. It drew on local materials and the talents of local craftspeople to make it uniquely part of Tanworth.
The project has opened up the church, created a welcoming, flexible space that can be used for a variety of activities and set it at the heart of its community. Everything here has been designed for a purpose and the church now easily hosts monthly music recitals, annual festivals and concerts, charity operas and art performances, in addition to a wide range of community hub activities.
St Marys has become an exemplar within ecclesiastical reorderings and regularly receives visitors to view the building and witness its outreach programme.
The Young Architect or Surveyor of the Year celebrates up and coming talent.
Blandford Forum : St Peter & St Paul
Tomas Griffin
Project Architect
Tomas Griffin
Project Architect
Belgravia : St Mary Bourne Street
Luke Upton
Luke worked on the project at conception through RIBA Stage 1-2 in 2019 and acted as Project Architect through RIBA Stage 4-5 technical design and delivery on site 2021-23. As well as working on the initial design concept, Luke was responsible for developing the design information for tender and construction as well as coordination of the design team and engagement with the client through stage 4 and on site. Luke was deeply engaged with the delivering the project through to completion including contract administration, weekly site inspections and meetings, design development, and resolving queries.
Edinburgh : Chalmers Church
Calum Paterson
Project Architect
Friends award
Through their support and generous donations, our growing number of Friends help us carry out our work of supporting churches in so many ways. Our Friends Award gives them the opportunity to help us select a church we have recently funded to receive an additional grant of £10,000. If you're interested in becoming a Friend of the National Churches Trust, and taking part in next year's vote, please do join us.
Voting for this competition has now closed but each of the five shortlisted churches produced a film about their project.
MikeSwift