Holy Trinity Church Clapham Restoration and Development Trust

The Holy Trinity Church Clapham Restoration and Development Trust is a registered UK charity (Charity Number: 296382) dedicated to the maintenance, repair, and restoration of the fabric, fixtures, and fittings of Holy Trinity Church in Clapham, London SW4[1].

Background

Holy Trinity Church, Clapham, is an Anglican church constructed in 1776 and is recognized as a Grade II* listed building. It has significant historical importance as the base for the Clapham Sect, a group of social reformers in the 18th and 19th centuries. To address ongoing repairs and ensure the church’s preservation for future generations, the Restoration and Development Trust Fund was established in 1986[5].

Purpose and Activities

The primary objective of the Trust is to maintain, repair, and restore the church’s historic structure and its internal fixtures and fittings. This includes overseeing refurbishment projects to conserve the building's heritage while adapting its facilities to meet contemporary needs[1].

Recent Developments

The Trust is currently involved in the "Revitalise 250" project, a significant £6.2 million initiative aimed at renovating and renewing the Holy Trinity Church building to serve the local community and worshippers for the next 250 years. The project encompasses upgrading the church’s infrastructure, including installing a new and improved audio-visual system to enhance the experience of all attendees, especially those in the galleries. The initiative began after five years of planning and fundraising, with construction starting in October 2024 and completion anticipated by the end of 2025[4].

Funding for the project is primarily sourced from the local church community, with contributions from about 350 donors, complemented by some limited grant funding. The Trust has faced an unexpected additional financial burden due to a recent government tax change, necessitating urgent fundraising efforts to mitigate the impact[4].

Governance

The Trust is governed by a board of trustees responsible for overseeing its activities and ensuring compliance with charity regulations. As of the latest reports, it is managed by three trustees[1]. Financial records for the year ending 31 December 2023 indicate no income or expenditure, which may reflect the timing of financial activities related to the ongoing restoration project[1].

This Trust plays a crucial role in preserving the historic and architectural heritage of Holy Trinity Church, Clapham, ensuring the church remains a functional, vibrant place of worship and community engagement for generations to come.

[1] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/296382 [2] https://www.holytrinityclapham.org [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/296382/governing-document [4] https://www.holytrinityclapham.org/r250-our-vision [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Trinity_Church,_Clapham