Built in 1869 and having survived two World Wars it was destroyed in less than an hour by what police believe was an arson attack.
Investigators and structural engineers are hopeful the Church of Ascension building can be saved and now the community has embarked on a fund raising initiative to raise £100,000 to help save and restore the historic church.
In a statement on the Just Giving Page they say
“We as a community are calling out to everyone to please donate any amount possible so we can save this beautiful building and get it back to how it was. This building means so much to the people of Lower Broughton and we are truly shocked by what has happened.”
The fire, which was seen for miles around, broke out late on Sunday night.The building had just been refurbished after £250,000 was raised to install a new roof.
