Council backs Lib Dem support for St Andrew's Church Minster bid
Rugby Borough Council is backing a bid to transform an historic town church into a minster in the year that it celebrates its 800th anniversary
Councillors supported the motion put forward by Cllr Neil Sandison (Eastlands) at their full council meeting 15 December 2020 with the mayor agreeing to write to the Bishop of Coventry in support of the plans for St Andrew's Church.
Cllr Neil Sandison (Eastlands) explained:
"St. Andrew's Church is recognised as one of the major churches of England and its contribution to the civic, the cultural and the economic life of the parish and borough demonstrates that.
"The church is now looking forward to the next chapter in its development. It has aspirations to be given the honorific title of 'minster'.
"The earliest record of a priest serving in Rugby is from 1221 and the church's west tower was built during the reign of Henry III (1216-1272) to serve a defensive as well as religious role and is Rugby's oldest building.
"The church was altered and enlarged in the late 19th Century to include a new east tower with a high spire. St. Andrew's Church is the only parish church in the world with two rings of bells, numbering 13 in total, one ring being in each of the two towers. The church houses other artefacts of medieval Rugby including the 13th Century parish chest and a medieval font."
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Craig McQueen (Eastlands) added:
"St Andrew's isn't only one of the most historical and significant buildings in Rugby, it is also one of the most important in terms of community. It anchors the community in the town centre and if we are serious about regenerating the town centre it is something we really should support."
The motion, which called on the council to support the bid to become a Minster and to write to the Bishop of Coventry was given cross-party approval.
Motion from the Liberal Democrats to Full Council on 15 December 2020
This Council congratulates St. Andrew's Church on its forthcoming 800th anniversary as a parish and civic church. The earliest record of a priest serving in Rugby is from 1221 and the church's west tower was built during the reign of Henry III (1216-1272) to serve a defensive as well as religious role and is Rugby's oldest building.
The church was altered and enlarged in the late 19th century to include a new east tower with a high spire. St. Andrew's Church is the only parish church in the world with two sets of bells, numbering 13 in total, one set being in each of the two towers. The church houses other artefacts of medieval Rugby including the 13th century parish chest and a medieval font.
St. Andrew's Church is one of only five churches in the country to have been awarded an Eco-gold award. The church has expressed its thanks to Rugby Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council for their help in working to achieve that award.
St. Andrew's Church is recognised as one of the major churches of England and its contribution to the civic, the cultural and the economic life of the parish and borough demonstrates that. The church is now looking forward to the next chapter in its development. It has aspirations to be given the honorific title of 'Minster'.
We urge this Council to:
(a) support St Andrew's Church in its bid to become a Minster; and
(b) write to the Bishop of Coventry to support the application.
Proposer: Councillor Sandison (Eastlands)
Seconder: Councillor McQueen (Eastlands)