Friends of St James’ Church in Devauden have been struck a devastating blow after being told they would have to find tens-of-thousands of pounds in church maintenance fees.

Every five years, churches are inspected by an architect and the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and are given a report of the renovations and improvements required.

A significant amount of work needs to be done return the church back to working order. The roof needs major repairs and the structural timbers have bent. The leadwork, woodwork and doors need to be replaced. The windows require specialist repairs as they can’t be opened. Internally there is a lot of damp and parts of the plasterwork need to be replaced. The porch roof needs replacing entirely as the timbers are missing in some parts and hollowed out by woodworm in others.

Volunteers are being sought to help with fundraising and grant applications in the hope they can raise the £95,000 needed to complete the work.

A meeting is being held on Sunday 19th January at 4pm in the church, to discuss the repairs and seek out volunteers in the local community. A number of new volunteers have already come forward after a request was made at the church’s Christmas Eve service.

Those who wish to assist in raising the money are asked to get in touch using the contact details available on the village website at devauden.org.uk

The PCC fear that without assistance from the community, the church building and its history would be lost to the community that grew around it.

The church itself began life as Devauden School and was built by James Davies in 1814 and funded by the Duke of Beaufort. It is one of the oldest buildings in the village and is Grade II listed because of its historic interest. It first opened in 1815 and James Davies, who had previously been a teacher at a school in Usk, was appointed to be the schoolmaster.

This building was the first national school in all of Wales - free and open to all children in the area. James Davies then started to save up and raise funds for a new school building as well as the conversion of the existing school into a church. He paid the £45 that it cost to add the chancel to the school from his own pocket and the first service was held there in 1829.

The church is now in a group of five parishes which also includes the churches in St Arvans, Penterry, Itton and Kilgwrrwg. Two services are usually held each month.