St David's Church in Penllergaer has received urgent funding to repair failing gutters and address water damage threatening the building's survival.

The National Churches Trust and Jane Hodge Foundation have awarded £50,000 to St David's Church, built in 1886, to tackle water penetration that has left plaster flaking inside the stone walls.

Despite recent slate roof repairs, failing gutters meant the Victorian building risked further deterioration. The grant, part of a £900,000 payout supporting churches across the UK, will fund replacement cast iron gutters and downpipes, masonry repairs, and repointing.

Rev'd Dr John Gillibrand, vicar at St David's, said the funding represents "wonderful news for the church and wider community".

"Our journey after the pandemic has been to tackle maintenance issues with our Victorian building, which has such a significant place in local heritage. We want it to be a place of peace and unconditional welcome in 2025 too."

The repairs will protect the church's notable stained glass windows and ornate reredos — a decorative screen behind the altar featuring mosaic work from the 1920s.

St David's was originally built as a chapel of ease to Llangyfelach, funded by John Dillwyn Llewellyn of the prominent local family. Although Llewellyn died before its completion, many of his relatives are buried in the churchyard.

The building has evolved since the Victorian period, with additions in the 1930s including a porch and organ chamber. Today it maintains close links with Penllergaer Primary School, whose staff and pupils attend regular services.

Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said: "The National Churches Trust is delighted to support St David's Church to enable urgent repairs. Not only will this protect important heritage, but it will help keep the building open and serving local people."

John praised the dedication of churchgoers in sustaining the church's ministry while managing the practical challenges of maintaining a Victorian building.

The grant ensures St David's remains watertight and able to serve the Penllergaer community for generations to come.