A Glusburn church built at the turn of the century is to close later this month.

All Saints' Church, dubbed 'the tin tabernacle', will shut after a farewell service on January 25 (3pm).

The declining state of the building, coupled with a dwindling congregation, has led to the closure decision.

Candlelight has been used at the monthly services since electricity and gas installations were condemned.

Vicar of Sutton and Glusburn, the Rev Michael Cowgill, says: "If it had a huge congregation we would consider repairing the building and keeping it going, but the diocese feels that it's not necessary to have a building there any more.

"Rather than take this decision and then just close it, we decided to hold a special service at the end of the month.

"Everyone is welcome. They can say their goodbyes to the building and bring their memories with them.

"It's a bit like a funeral in a way, but we're giving thanks because the building has served the community for such a long time."

The church - in Keighley Road - was built to last only 30 years, but it has stood since 1907.

It was established to alleviate the need for Glusburn people to travel to St Thomas' at Sutton.

Money to build the church came from the proceeds of a garden party in July 1904 at the home of local mill owner James Bairstow.

The building's wooden frame was protected by sheets of corrugated iron, hence its nickname.

At that time, the land was rented from Malsis Hall for five shillings a year.

The church also played its part in the war effort - it was used as a billet for soldiers during the second world war.

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