The stewardship of one of Cornwall’s most significant religious buildings has been passed to an independent trust in a landmark move it is hoped will secure its future as a place of worship and bring the building back into play as a significant regional venue.

The arrangement is the first of its kind and it is hoped it could prove a model for other parishes in the diocese that are struggling to pay for the upkeep of large, frequently listed, churches.

A lease has been signed that hands over the responsibility for the running and upkeep of the church of St Germanus to the independent St Germans Priory Trust.

The building will be maintained as a place of worship. The building will remain consecrated and the parish will retain use of the building for a pre-arranged number of regular and additional services.

However, the trust is free to use the building in any number of other ways subject to Church legal permissions, and hopes it will become a focus for many community activities.

Chairman of the St Germans Priory trust, Richard Laugharne, said: ’Our vision is to return this important building and surrounding grounds into an effective community resource as well as retaining it as a place of worship.’

The trust has already raised £62,000 and repaired the roof, but will in future be looking to install flexible seating, install central heating and insulation, as well as toilets and a kitchen.

Dr Joseph Elders, major projects officer for the cathedrals and church buildings division of the Church of England, said: ’The creation of the St Germans Priory Trust is an example of community engagement and stewardship which may provide inspiration for other churches in the diocese and elsewhere who feel weighed down by the responsibility of caring for their local church.’