CHURCH members are rejoicing as a 180-year-old stained glass window has been repaired after being damaged during a break-in.

In November last year, the Leader reported St Mary’s and St Peter’s Church in Bagillt had been broken into while renovation work was being completed inside.

Gareth Williams, owner of Gareth Williams Building and Joinery, found pieces of the window on the floor when they arrived.

The Rev John Geary, associate priest at the church, told the Leader the “beautifully crafted window” had been left untouched for many years prior to the break-in and dates back to the 1840s.

Residents decided they wanted to raise money to get the church back to how it was before, as they were distraught to hear about what had happened – including Paula Williams and Lynne Davies who organised a fundraising bingo night.

Bagillt councillor Mike Reece organised a venue in the town for the event.

Eenough money was raised by events and grants to be able to revamp the church and continue the renovation which was being carried out before the break-in.

The stained glass window was also salvaged and refitted by Meridian Stained Glass.

A representative of the Bagillt church said: “A big thank you to all who gave towards the costs of the repair and arranged fundraising events.

“Meridian Stained Glass have done a fantastic job in salvaging and repairing the original window.”

The vestry of the church was also ransacked during the break-in last year, but Robin Glovier, the churchwarden, said he was “happy” to reveal that has all been cleared up and repaired.

Mr Glovier added: “All the carpets have also been replaced which was not related to the break-in but it was done as part of the church’s refurbishment. The main body of the church is now complete and back to normal again.

”The vestry was in a terrible state after the break-in but we are very thankful that has all been straightened out now.

”But other great news in the church is after 150 years we also now have a working toilet, a kitchen and baby changing facilities. We hope people will be able to use the church for social events now.

”We’re very grateful for the people who raised the funds and we could not have managed without the grants. We also had two people leave money in their wills when they died which was so very thoughtful of them.”

An official rededication of the church by the Bishop of St Asaph, Dr Gregory Cameron, and an unveiling of the stained glass window, was held on Thursday.