Minster status could mean tourist boom for church
OBTAINING minster status could double the number of visitors to Cheltenham's oldest building.
That is the view of Dr Tudor Griffiths, the rector of St Mary's Church in the centre of the town.
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He is optimistic that the status, which is likely to be secured early next year, will lead to many more people going through its doors. At the moment, about 7,000 people visit each year.
He said: "I think it's likely to double the number of visitors. Having minster status will highlight that it's a building of importance."
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Minster status applies to certain ancient churches, such as those in York and Beverley.
But in recent years, it has also been awarded in various sizeable towns which have a significant church, but no cathedral.
Sunderland, Halifax, Doncaster, Plymouth and Croydon are all places where minster status has been awarded to its churches.
It has no direct bearing on whether a town might also acquire city status.
Dr Griffiths added: "It's a new way of recognising a church of some significance. It's entirely in the bishop's gift."
Status
In St Mary's case, the Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Rev Michael Perham, is due to attend a special service in February to designate its new status.
He has set up a working group to look into the matter and to consult the parish, the wider church community and Cheltenham Borough Council.
Dr Griffiths, who is secretary of the working group, said: "All the feedback so far has been positive. In fact, the council has leant us the services of Ken Dale, its projects manager, to help us."
Having minster status would not change the physical structure of the grade one-listed church, which dates from the 13th and 14th centuries.
But, coincidentally, its bosses are three-quarters of the way through carrying out a revamp.
Among other things, they are clearing space, providing toilets and creating a discreet refreshments' area.
It forms part of the church's overall plan to raise its profile.
Working with the borough council, it hopes to make the building more visible and accessible.
The intention is that this will enable more people to see it and become aware of its historical significance and also reduce the amount of vandalism in and around the enclosed churchyard.
Comments
by muddy
Friday, January 11 2013, 10:30AM
“No mention of the number of staff who were made redundant to help pay for the "revamp" of this unneeded building.
No wonder the Church of England is the fastest declining church in the country.”
by Walker100
Friday, August 31 2012, 8:50PM
“I confess I had to look up the location of this insignificant church. I thought it was this one but couldn't actually believe that anyone would grant it "Minster" status.
At 7000 visitors a year that's around 20 a day......I think most of those are the inebriates and miscreants hanging around outside surely?
It's not even close to being as wonderful as York Minster but if the Rev thinks it fits with places such as Sunderland, Halifax, Doncaster and Plymouth he may be closer to the truth.”
by Kay_Powell
Friday, August 31 2012, 3:48PM
“Having just looked up the definition of a minster (which I admit I didn't know at all), I'm surprised that St. Mary's qualifies. It should be a large or significant church, rather than simply an old one. The parish is called St. Mary with St. Matthew, and it seems to be mainly St. Matthew's that is actually used for services.”
by georgette2010
Friday, August 31 2012, 3:33PM
“Get rid of the wasters and drop-outs who frequent the churchyard and put people off visiting the church and that alone will help to encourage more visitors. The place is not safe to walk through most of the time and you never see a police officer in sight.”
by beck1234
Friday, August 31 2012, 12:26PM
“I wonder if they will also be putting a stop to the blatant drug dealing that occurs in the churchyard on a daily basis.”