The Diocese of Carlisle has taken a bold and imaginative step by launching its first Church Buildings Awards – a rare initiative among Church of England dioceses. At a time when many church buildings face rising costs, complex repairs and uncertain futures, congregations across Cumbria are growing in confidence and creativity. This awards scheme, supported by Ecclesiastical Insurance, recognises how churches are adapting their spaces to serve worship, welcome and wider community life. It celebrates not just conservation, but transformation, offering welcoming spaces that inspire people for worship.

The DAC Church Buildings Awards were open to any church in the diocese that had completed a significant project since January 2022. Entries were welcomed across five categories: Building, Care and Conservation, Environment, Churchyard, and Access and Interpretation. Churches were invited to share how their projects had enhanced their spaces for worship, hospitality, and community use. Submissions were assessed not by scale or cost, but by creativity, impact, and faithful use of resources – celebrating both bold transformations and quiet acts of care.

The awards were presented on Thursday 12 June at Rydal Hall during a special afternoon tea hosted by the DAC. Bishop Rob Saner Haigh, Chancellor James Fryer Spedding, and members of the DAC were in attendance to celebrate with church representatives from across the diocese.

The Revd Andrew B Norman, Chair of the DAC, said:

"These awards are a celebration of the imagination, diligence, and faithfulness of so many people caring for our church buildings across Cumbria. We have seen projects large and small – from creative heating solutions in rural churches to thoughtful interpretation work that shares the story of faith. It has been deeply encouraging."

2025 DAC Award Winners

Overall Winner – Access and Interpretation: St. Peter’s Church, Heversham

For a transformational entrance project that restored access, improved sustainability, and celebrated the church’s most ancient features through thoughtful interpretation.

Building Category Winner: St. Thomas’ Church, Milnthorpe

For a skilful reordering that turned dark, underused spaces into vibrant, welcoming areas used by the wider community, all without increasing the building’s footprint.

Churchyard Category Winner: Holy Trinity and St. Constantine, Wetheral

For a beautifully crafted accessible path and heritage interpretation, enhancing both mission and accessibility.

Environment Category Winner: St. Margaret’s Church, Wythop

For implementing an effective, discreet and sustainable heating solution that serves as a model for small rural churches.

Care and Conservation Category Winner: St. Peter’s Church, Ireleth

For successfully addressing long term structural issues and restoring the church’s external character, with plans to enhance the interior for future use.

Highly Commended Projects

St. Michael and All Angels, Beetham

St. Thomas’, Kendal

St. Lawrence’s, Appleby

Recognising Faithful Care

Holme St. Cuthbert, Mawbray – Commended for quiet, consistent maintenance, careful biodiversity work in the churchyard, and dedication to preventative repair.

The DAC Awards are expected to return in future years, encouraging churches to share their stories of transformation and faithful stewardship.