A Bolton primary school has welcomed St Paul’s Church worshippers after their historic building was closed due in part to structural concerns.
St Paul’s Church in Astley Bridge temporarily closed its doors in August, expecting the closure to last just four weeks.
However, it remains closed to this day, with the Parochial Church Council (PCC) consulting on the building’s future.
The sudden closure left lifelong churchgoers without a place of worship and unsure of what to do.
This was until Susan Pilkington, a member of the church community, had an idea.
She reached out to the headteacher of St Paul’s CE Primary School, Anna Lister, about the possibility of using the school for worship.
The primary school is directly opposite the church, making it a perfect new location.
After checking with the school’s trust, the arrangement was confirmed with the Diocese of Manchester, and since September 2025, the churchgoers have been worshipping at the primary school.
Although this was a dramatic change of scenery, it hasn’t stopped the church from holding its Sunday 10am service, Tuesday morning Bible class, and Friday arts and crafts sessions.
Their Sunday service now takes place in the school hall, while weekly sessions are held in the school’s community room.
Head of School, Paul Morgan, has been at the primary school since 2003, when he started as an NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher).
He has been instrumental in helping the school’s new “church family” get settled.
“They were without a vicar, and the church was sadly falling apart,” said Mr Morgan.
“St Paul’s Church is a beautiful building, but as the congregation lessened over time, it had begun to feel too vast and quite cold.
“Whereas our community room is small and warm, helping to create a close environment.
“I can’t express the impact this has had on the church community and our school.”
This new partnership has fostered a wonderful relationship between St Paul’s Church community, the school children, and staff.
“We often invite our Worship Leaders into the craft sessions, with the church community, to sit and have a chat,” said Mr Morgan.
The school’s Worship Leaders are a handful of children who help to promote the school’s values.
Historically, the primary school has its roots as a Church of England school, but welcomes all faiths.
Mr Morgan said: “We have 26 different languages spoken at our school and about 70 per cent of pupils have English as a second language.
“We’re really multicultural, but what is so special is that our Christian values are at the core of everything that we do.”
“We are so proud of our diverse, multifaith community that symbolises us as a school and Astley Bridge.”
The school often references the phrase, “open doors and warm fires.”
Mr Morgan said the “fire” represents Christian values, while the “open door” signifies that all are welcome to stand as close to the fire as they want.
He added that welcoming in the worshippers from St Paul’s Church has “allowed the school to connect with the community beyond the school gates.”
After getting to know Susan over the last few months, Mr Morgan said she is “the most delightful woman you’ll ever meet.”
Without a vicar, Susan leads the services in her role as Reader, which she says is a “humbling privilege.”
She also runs assemblies in the school, furthering the church family’s connection with the children.
The Bolton News visited the primary school to find out more.
Welcomed with freshly brewed coffee, homemade scones, and a lively conversation, the church community discussed how they are finding the new space.
Sat around the table were Susan, Linda Haworth, Elaine Birch, Dorothy Gatenby, Alan Crompton and Lisa Lovatt.
“When we started coming to the school, there were 35 of us, but now we’re reaching well over 50 people,” said Susan.
The church used to put on separate Sunday services, with one being more catered towards families.
However, now their congregation gathers altogether, old and young, worshipping as one in the school hall.
The growing congregation has been an unexpected and an added bonus of their new location.
The worshippers think this is because it is “warm” and “a much nicer environment.”
Alan said there has also been an increase of young people joining their Sunday service.
At first, there were some who were undoubtedly reluctant about the move, but that soon changed.
Susan said: “God has really helped us. As one door closed, another door opened.
“We had been praying that everything would be okay.”
Dorothy added: “Those prayers have been answered.”
Elaine said: “People who used to come to church, and had stopped coming, have now started to come back.”
The church family described the school as “absolutely wonderful” and “so welcoming.”
Read more:
- Bolton dean gives update on St Paul's Astley Bridge closure
- St Pauls' church in Astley Bridge is facing closure
- Row over future of historic St Paul’s Church, Astley Bridge
The Friday craft sessions are led by the Golden Garter Girls, whose group moved over to the primary school with the worshippers.
“They’re part of our church family,” said Susan.
The group meets every Friday morning at the primary school from 10am.
It was important to the churchgoers that the craft group had a place to continue their meetings.
The Bolton News met Jacqueline Taylor, Lois Walsh, Hilda Spencer, and Rita Delvard, from the group.
“There used to be 22 members but there are just six of us now, due to old age,” said Jacqueline.
“Everybody has made us so welcome, including the children.
“Susan really looks after us and anybody is welcome to join our group.”
They would love new members who have a passion for card making, knitting, sewing, or crocheting.
After speaking with the churchgoers, some of the primary school children popped in to say hello to their church family.
In a collaboration with ASDA, the children and church family will be crocheting hats for those experiencing homelessness.
Safa, who is a Year Six Worship Leader, said: “When I first met the craft group and our church family, they were making lovely Christmas cards.
“I’m so happy to see them again.”
To become a Worship Leader at the school, Charlotte in Year Six said: “We have to say in lots of detail why we would be a good leader.
“I don’t have a religion but I think it’s nice to respect others.”
The primary school is rooted in its four pillars, which are at the heart of its ethos: Wisdom, Knowledge and Skills, Hope and Aspiration, Dignity and Respect, and Community and Living Well Together.
Millie in Year Five said: “The pillar of Community and Living Well Together means we all get on together.”
Safa added: “Spending time with our church family makes me feel part of their family too.”
Hassan in Year Five said: “Whether people are in Year Six or Year Two, we must show respect to everyone.”
Oluwaseyi in Year Six discussed how “the pillar of Knowledge, Wisdom, and Skills is all about having knowledge through learning, and skills through things like sports or building”.
Charlotte said that the wisdom element of the pillar is “knowing how to use the knowledge and skills.”
As a thank you for the school’s generosity, the church community has donated money.
“We are going to use this to create a small peace garden within the school grounds,” said Mr Morgan.
When the peace garden is set up, the children hope to start growing vegetables for those in need.
Mr Morgan would like the garden to continue to develop their reconnection with the church.
“It is our job as a school to serve our community, and this relationship has enabled us to do so,” he said.
“Our mission statement as a trust is: one team, one mission, one family.
“What is happening here encapsulates that.”
While the future of St Paul’s Church building is uncertain, the congregation hopes to continue worshipping at the primary school, where they’ve found a welcoming home.
“Whatever the future holds, we will support our church community,” said Mr Morgan
St Paul’s Church has shown how faith and community transcends the building where worship takes place.
“We are the church,” said the church family.
On December 21, the church family will host a carol service in the morning from 10am, with drinks and refreshments afterwards.
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