END OF WHIT WALK ERA
THE CONGREGATION at St Luke’s Church have completed their last ever Whit Walk after 66 years.
Whit walkers from across Dukinfield spontaneously applauded the parishioners as they left the steps of Dukinfield Town Hall for the last time.
Pamela Porter, one of two church wardens at St Luke’s said the church was likely to close this year because of a dwindling congregation and a multi-million pound repair bill.
The church, which used to be full every Sunday now attracts just 23 people on a good day.
A lack of money and help from the diocese has allowed damp to penetrate the walls and the roof to fall into disrepair.
Mrs Porter said: “St Lukes will close sometime this year. We’ve been told we’re not viable.
“We haven’t got the money coming in for the repairs and we just can’t afford it.
“After 66 years of Whit Walks we will not be doing it again, it’s a very sad moment.”
The closure of St Luke’s will leave many of the elderly parishioners without a place of worship.
The nearest Anglican churches are in Manchester and Oldham a considerable distance for some elderly worshippers.
Fellow Whit walkers prayed for the congregation and church building during the joint service in Dukinfield Town Hall.
Mrs Porter, said: “As we left the steps of the town hall people started spontaneously applauding us and carried on as we walked through. It was quite emotional.
“It just doesn’t seem fair, people are just not coming to church anymore.”
St Luke’s vicar, Father David Schofield, is due to retire at the end of June and the church has been told by the Diocese of Chester not to book any more weddings after September.
Mrs Porter added: “If we have a miracle and someone gives us about £3millon we can save the church. I would hate to see it pulled down or turned into apartments.”
