One of our Huddersfield area churches has recently completed a long-awaited restoration of a beautiful stained-glass window.
St Thomas’ Thurstonland is a small, rural, Grade II listed church above Holmfirth, with an east window portraying the story of the Good Samaritan.
In 2014, the stonework to the window began to crumble, threatening the safety of the window, which was designed by William Wailes, one of the 19th century’s most noted stained-glass designers.
The window was installed when the church was built in 1870.
After five years of fundraising, the PCC secured the final part of funding in 2024, after the National Churches Trust included the church in its “Last Chance Churches” initiative.
Work on the window began at Easter 2025, with the work completed in July.
The PCC would like to send their grateful thanks to the contractors who worked on the window: Bullen Conservation Ltd and Martin Johnson & Co (York) Ltd; to the local community for all their generous support; and to all their grant funders: The Worshipful Company of Glaziers; The Church Building Council; Churchcare; The Society of Antiquaries; The Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust and the National Churches Trust.
The stained-glass window will be available to view at the Kirklees Heritage Open Days, when St Thomas’ will be open on Saturday, September 20, from 10am to 4pm, and on Sunday, September 21, from 12noon to 4.30pm.
A service of celebration will be held in October to commemorate the restoration of the window, and to celebrate the 155th anniversary of the church.
Our Church Buildings Team are here to help churches work through the processes required for work like this to happen - please click here to find out more.