Church Repairs and the State In addressing the Friends of
Bath Abbey on Monday Lord Kilmaine, the Secretary of the Pilgrim Trust, made_ two distinct but associated points, both of importance. Discussing the problem of the repair of ancient churches, he pointed out that as a result of the social revolution that had taken place since the war money had passed out of the hands of the cultured and educated classes, who were traditionally benefactors of such institutions as the Established Church (and, it might be added, schools and colleges) into other hands where it was more tightly held. To say that involves no necessary reproach to those who are sometimes styled the new rich. Their condition has improved, but it needed improving. Many of them are leading a fuller life in better homes by reason of their improved financial situation—which is not so sensationally improved, after all. But having themselves benefited largely through the action of the State, they tend to consider it is the State's business rather than their own to lend a hand in such matters as the restoration of ancietit churches. Lord Kilmaine himself saw no alternative to aid from State funds for this purpose. But there is some conflict of opinion about this. Speaking at the Church Assembly last week the Archbishop of Canterbury gave more pertinent figures. The highest estimate for necessary repairs to churches was £5'rnillion, of w.hich, for lack of labour, not more than about 1 million could be spent in any one year. In addition ordinary maintenance charges came to about £500,000 a year, which meant that an expenditure of £1,500,000 a year for five years would meet the need. In fact the church did raise this amount for this purpose in 1950. There is, therefore, as Dr. Fisher insisted, no need for panic. A request for State aid would raise difficulties.
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