A local lodge of freemasons has stepped up to help restore the deteriorated roof of a historic church.
Dalton-in-Furness Lodge No. 6828 has made a generous donation to St Peter’s Church in Ireleth.
The donation was formally handed over by the Lodge’s Charity Steward, Worshipful Brother David Baker to parish warden Beverley Louw.
The idea for the donation was put forward after Worshipful Brother Baker became aware of the deteriorating condition of the church roof.
He proposed the support during a Lodge meeting where it was warmly received and unanimously approved by the brethren.
St Peter’s Church was built in 1859 and has served as a place of worship, reflection, and community gathering for over 160 years.
Despite weathering many storms, time has taken its toll and significant damage to the roof has led to water ingress, risking the integrity of the historic interior and stained-glass windows.
The cost of repairs is expected to be substantial and the church has launched an appeal to raise funds.
Parish Warden Beverley Louw expressed her heartfelt gratitude and said she was 'over the moon' with the Lodge’s thoughtful support and wished all the brethren continued success and health.
The Lodge’s £100 donation was drawn from its charity fund which is sustained through regular raffles, festive boards, social events, and member contributions.
The fund has supported a range of good causes in recent years—from food banks to youth initiatives—and the Lodge remains committed to helping wherever there is genuine local need.
Worshipful Brother Baker said: “It’s not just about the building—it’s about what the building represents. For generations, people have come here to celebrate, mourn, and reflect. Helping to protect it is our way of honouring that history.”
St Peter’s remains a central landmark in Ireleth. From weddings and christenings to concerts and community coffee mornings, it continues to bring people together. As such, the Lodge saw the roof appeal as a cause worthy of support—not only to preserve the building but to protect the role it plays in the lives of so many.
This act of generosity is a reminder of the quiet but powerful impact that Freemasonry can have in local communities. It is hoped that the donation will not only support much-needed repairs, but also encourage further collaboration in the years to come.
