RAYNE CHURCH BUILDING TRUST

All Saints Church, Rayne provides a link to hundreds of years of Christian history.  The present Church consists of a Tower, Nave, Chancel and Sanctuary with Clergy and Choir Vestries.  A history of the Church and its construction are contained in the Church link on the website.  The most striking feature, however, is the early 16th-century brick tower.  This is one of the finest in Essex and is largely responsible for the church being listed Grade I, which means that it has been recognised to be of national importance.

Historic buildings such as Rayne Church require maintenance and restoration to ensure their survival for the present and future generations.  The PCC funds the normal costs but, periodically, major work is required that cannot be covered by the annual budget.

In November 1995, the Rayne Church Building Trust was formed with the aim -

"To help to put the long-term maintenance of the Rayne Church Building on a sound basis for many years to come by building up a capital sum which would generate income to contribute substantially to major maintenance expenditure."

The capital of the fund now (2008) stands at £45,166 and, in the last year, this produced income of £2,362.

At the formation of the trust, it was stated -

"The capital base of the Fund would only be dipped into in a dire emergency.  Thus contributors will be able to feel that their cash will be continuing to preserve the church, year by year, for generations to come, perhaps forever.  It is hoped that this concept will appeal to all those who love Rayne Church as a place of worship, as a hub of the community or as a building itself, also to those for whom the church has a place at some special moment in their lives."

There are three ways in which people may be able to help the trust:

1. Annual subscription
   Suggested annual minimum subscription:
   • Individual £10
   • Family £20
   It is hoped that those who are taxpayers will be happy to sign a Gift Aid form.
   
   
2. One-off Gifts
   These may also be made under the Gift Aid scheme.
   
   
3. Legacies
   It is hoped that there will be those who will wish to remember the Church in their wills.
   
   

If you are able to help the trust, please contact the Treasurer.