Worship

Built as places where people can come together to worship God, our churches remain consecrated and continue to play a part in the religious live of people and communities while bearing witness to centuries of Christian heritage.

Our visitor’s books faithfully record the comments of local people, those from further afield and across the world, who find special meaning in this sacred space.

For many it is a past association from a family or personal connection such as a baptism, wedding or funeral that will always mean this is a special place for that individual. For others it is simply the opportunity to contemplate and perhaps to pray in a peaceful, still place free from the hubbub of daily life.

The Trust has provided a leaflet in all churches with passages from scripture and other writings that help people who want to pause and reflect.

Services at special times in the Christian calendar – Easter, Harvest thanksgiving and Christmas, including candlelit carol services, continue to be held in many churches and often result in large congregations with a welcome heralded by church bells and a musical accompaniment provided by church organs where these remain in good order.

Those services and ceremonies take place following discussion and agreement with the local parish incumbent or minister. They recognise the continued significance of CCT churches for religious worship while in no way undermining parish churches in the area that remain in regular use as the central focus for Anglican religious worship. The churches in the care of CCT are potential resources for local parishes to compliment their mission within the communities they seek to serve.

Most CCT churches are set within a graveyard. Many are no longer in use and are maintained by the local authority. Others in active use are looked after by Parish Councils.

Individuals wishing to make use of CCT churches for Anglican religious services should contact the Trust’s local representative or regional manger. You may also wish to find out details about our Scale of Charges.