Nestled in the heart of the Peak District, the village of Tideswell is home to one of England's most remarkable parish churches, St John the Baptist. Known affectionately as the "Cathedral of the Peak," this 14th-century Gothic masterpiece has stood for over 700 years, drawing visitors from far and wide with its stunning architecture and deep-rooted history. Yet, despite its beauty, much of the church's interior has remained in the shadows, with intricate details obscured by outdated and inadequate lighting. That is about to change.
A Vision for the Future
After years of planning and fundraising, a transformative lighting project is underway, aimed at unveiling the church's hidden treasures and making it a more versatile venue for community events. The project, estimated to cost £200,000, has been a labor of love for the church and its supporters. The current lighting system, installed over 50 years ago, is not only obsolete but also largely non-functional.
Bringing Hidden Details to Light
The new lighting system, designed to be both theatrical and functional, will highlight the church’s stunning architectural and artistic features, many of which have been hidden in darkness for centuries. From the intricate stone and wood carvings to the towering 45-foot stained glass windows, the project aims to showcase the full glory of the church’s design. The lighting will also create customizable atmospheres for various events.
A Community Effort
The church has always been a focal point for the Tideswell community, hosting a variety of events each year, including school visits, concerts, professional theatre performances, and even a BBC Songs of Praise recording. These events bring in over 25,000 visitors annually, supporting local businesses and contributing to the village’s vibrant cultural life. However, the outdated lighting system has been a significant barrier to fully utilizing the church’s potential as an event space.
Protecting History While Embracing Innovation
One of the most delicate aspects of the project is working around the church’s historic organ, a vital and cherished part of the building’s heritage. The new lighting will highlight the organ’s features, but extra precautions are needed to ensure the instrument is not disturbed during the renovation.
The new system will reduce the church’s energy use significantly, cutting the power needed for full lighting from 20kW to just 4kW, thanks to modern LED technology.
The Final Push
The work has been phased so that visitors can see what the work entails. It also encourages donations for the upkeep. Over 90% of the required funds have been raised by a combination of local fund raising, grants and crowdfunding. As of now the funding has allowed work to start but £12,000 is needed to complete the work.
Further donations will be welcome by visiting: https://give. achurchnearyou.com/c/33e02c50-470f-4925-bb44-90fba1ef4337
A Bright Future for the Cathedral of the Peak
Once completed, the new lighting system will not only enhance the aesthetic and spiritual experience for visitors and worshippers alike but will also open up new possibilities for the types of events that can be hosted in the church. From intimate services to large-scale productions, St John the Baptist Church is set to become an even more vital hub for the community and a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Peak District.
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