In 2006, the congregation at St Keyne Church celebrated the completion of large scale restoration work on the church tower, writes Canon Tony Ingelby.

It had been a great challenge for a small church – planning, fund-raising and supervising the project. Since then they have made the church more warm and welcoming for the community with a number of smaller projects.

On Tuesday 6 December, the tower was struck by lightning. Masonry came through two pitches of the North Aisle roof and also took out ridge tiles; and the wiring and fuse boxes have been blasted, together with plaster, masonry and glass, throughout the building.

Compared with other events, this is less than a tragedy (nobody is dead or injured) but more than a nuisance. The building is dear to many more than the 12 to 20 people who regularly worship there.

For some it is the place they were baptised, married or came to faith, a place loved by families over generations and where loved ones have been brought for their funeral. Recently families have enjoyed a Christingle Service and a night-time Christmas Communion, and couples are planning their marriages here later this year.

We don’t know how much the repairs will cost and how much of it will be covered by insurance; but once again the whole congregation will be working together with the community to ensure that the worship, witness and welcome of St Keyne Church will be housed in its proper place as soon as possible.

If you would like to help, contact Le Page Architects on 01752 849880 or enquiries@lepagearchitects.com