An historic 184-year-old church in Co Armagh has launched a fundraising campaign to install its first toilet and a small kitchen.
Clare Parish Church, just outside Tandragee, is one of few local places of worship without running water.
Parishioner Sharon Shields is organising some of the fundraising efforts.
She said: “I grew up in this wee church, was married here as well, and my parents and family members still go here, so it’s important for us all to try and raise money for the church.
“It’s never had a toilet or running water, so they are hoping if they getting the funding they can install one, as well as a kitchen.”
Despite being in a rural setting with a small congregation, it is an important hub for the local community.
“It’s such a cozy church and everyone really wants to see it improving,” she added.
Currently there is a makeshift toilet that isn’t connected to the mains — but even that is an improvement from when Sharon was a child.
She said: “For a long time we had a bucket, and although there were times when we were very grateful for the bucket, it would really benefit people if they had an actual toilet.”
After 15 years without a permanent minister, the church recently found one, as well as a new organ player, who has started a choir and organised a number of different music events in the building.
Sharon added: “They are really pumping a lot of energy into the church, which is great to see. God is really just flowing in it, I can see it growing and lots of different things happening in it now.”
The congregation has raised just over £500 so far for the improvements.
“Every little bit can help, but we are hoping with more fundraising we can get more donations and really make a difference,” she said.
A Christmas Tree Festival is being held from today until Sunday with a number of events under the theme of ‘Light of the World’, making Jesus the centre of the festive period.
The current makeshift toilet at Clare Parish Church
The opening service this evening, hosted by BBC presenter Jo Scott, will feature the children of Clare Primary School choir.
It will be followed tomorrow and Saturday by a display of Christmas trees in the church, all featuring a story or message from the Bible.
Saturday also features a big breakfast in the morning and a twilight market with craft stalls and a visit from Santa in the old house.
The festival comes to a close on Sunday evening with a carol service.
Sharon said: “We are hoping everyone can have a bit of fun and help get running water into the church, because it really should have it.”
You can make a donation to the Clare Parish Church fundraising campaign by visiting the JustGiving page here.