What is this project?
The restoration of All Saints’ Parish Church is firmly linked to the renewal of the faith. These two challenges, though tackled in very different ways, are the two sides of the same coin or two complementary parts.
While the restoration programme seeks to preserve the unique historical and cultural patrimony that affords to All Saints’ its Grade I listing, the renewal project seeks to deepen our relationship with God and to improve our liturgy, while also reimagining how we can best serve the town through our buildings.
Restoration Plans
The restoration of the Parish Church requires considerable financial commitment from the Parochial Church Council (PCC) estimated to exceed £200,000. Such an investment will tackle​
  • reopening the west door to Bedford Road
  • relocation and conservation work on the Norman font
  • restoration of stained glass windows
  • renovation of liturgical furnishings and textiles

Achieved so far:
  • restoration of the outer fabric
  • rewiring of parts of the church
  • creation of a children area 
  • drainage works to divert rainwater from the building 
  • installation of new speakers and sound system
  • reordering of the sanctuary
  • reordering of the west end

Renewal Plans (All Saints')
The Parish Church would also benefit from some reordering of the space to enhance its heritage and maximise the use of the building. These works include;
  • redevelopment of facilities to enhance disabled access
  • redevelopment of vestries and servery
  • develop a programme of music events/concerts
  • increase opening hours
  • recruitment of volunteers guides/stewards

Renewal Plans (St Thomas')
  • redecoration of the building
  • updating facilities
  • updating furnishing
  • reordering of the sanctuary

Renewal of the Faith
  • further our work in local schools
  • increase discipleship and teaching opportunities
  • increase the quality of the worship we offer

Works are already underway for a few of these points, but it is important to stress that All Saints’ Parish does not receive Government financial support or from the Church of England as a national institution. We rely entirely on the generosity of our town and congregation, on the occasional grants from charities, and on the invaluable efforts of all our volunteers.
 
Your financial support will be greatly appreciated, and you can do so by sending a cheque payable to All Saints' PCC
to:
Restoration and Renewal,
Houghton Regis Parish Office
St Thomas' Church,
Lowry Drive,
Houghton Regis, LU5 5SJ.
All Saints' costs about £220 to run daily. 

This figure takes in consideration the money we have to contribute to the Diocese of St Albans (called "Common Fund", about £50k p/a), the costs of utility bills (about £17k p/a), insurance, and administration.

Notably, the figure does not include any money spent on restoration, upkeep of services, and mission.
Picture
The west door - to be reopened as part of future restoration works.

Documents

In this section you can browse documents used by the parish in applying for Faculties or other relevant permits from the Diocese of St Albans. Documents will be removed once works have been completed.
Reordering of Sanctuary (All Saints') 
Completed in June 2023
​Description: "Installation of painted triptych above the high altar depicting Christ in glory with the saints, and minor reordering of the sanctuary."

→ Plan - Reordering of High Altar
→ Statement of Significance
→ Statement of Need
→ PCC Resolution
Surface Water Drainage Works (All Saints')
Completed in 2023
Description: "Surface water drainage overhaul and improvements - Revised scheme as these works were omitted from the GPOW funded repairs previously granted Faculty under application ref: 181360-1018B"

→ Plan - Drainage as Existing and Proposed
→ Works Specifications
→ Surface Drainage Survey and Report
→ DAC Notification of Advice