News Beat
St William of York Great Lever closes after over 70 years
St William of York in Great Lever closed today, November 18, having been open since 1954.
Members of the congregation and the clergy gathered at the Lever Edge Lane church for its final ever mass at 7pm.
The Diocese of Salford announced earlier this month that St William of York would close, with a reduction in churchgoers having been cited as a reason for the decision.
The Bishop of Salford, John Arnold, led the service, remarking that it was “an important and sad occasion”.
The congregation joined together in praying, singing hymns and taking the sacramental wine over the hour-long service.
Read more: Church to celebrate ‘wonderful history and community’ with last ever Mass tonight
Read more: ‘Great sadness’ as church to close with final Mass details announced
Speaking afterwards, Bishop John said: “Salford Diocese for a long time had a fast-growing Catholic population and built a lot of churches up to the 1960s.”
He said that “unfortunately a lot of that population has gone”, leading to the decisions that some churches must close.
Bishop John added: “Fortunately, people don’t have to go far to a neighbouring church after this church has closed.
“It is always sad to see a church close, it is often emotional for many people, with important memories.
“But buildings cannot be the focus of our faith.”
