This is for:

The purchase for the advancement of religion of objects of beauty to be placed in ancient Gothic churches either in England or Wales.

The Friends are anxious that the existence of the Cottam Will Trust should be better known. Whilst the income in an average year only slightly exceeds £10,000 and grants are therefore unlikely to be more than a few thousand pounds each, they would very much like the Trust to be used more widely for the purposes spelt out by Father Cottam.

Trustees have adopted a catholic definition of "objects of beauty" although feel obliged to exclude from that category a monument or memorial to an individual. Previous recipients have included bells, paschal candlesticks, vestments, hymn boards, stained glass and statuary (see above).

The phrase "ancient Gothic churches" makes Father Cottam's intentions very clear and Trustees cannot accept applications from churches that lack medieval Gothic fabric.

"The furtherance of religion" is far less easily defined and Trustees again are inclined to adopt a liberal attitude.

The Executive Committee of the Friends normally meets in November, February/March and June/July, and the Committee has to endorse each offer of a grant. The Honorary Director can advise on the precise date by which applications have to be lodged in order to meet those deadlines.

There is no set application form but it should be clearly spelt out how the project envisaged would meet the criteria outlined at the head of this sheet. The Executive Committee would need to see a set of Church Accounts for the two most recent years before coming to a decision. These can be returned if required.

Applications are welcomed, in writing, to the address, given below. If you require further information please contact the Friends' office in writing, or by telephone on: 020 7236 3934 or by e-mail to: office@friendsoffriendlesschurches.org.uk

Friends of Friendless Churches is a company limited by guarantee
Company No: 1119137, registered in England and Wales.

Registered Office: St Ann's Vestry Hall, 2 Church Entry, London EC4V 5HB. Registered Charity No: 1113097.