Priest Idol Church reopens

A Church made famous by documentary Priest Idol will hold a very special carol service today to celebrate reopening after a devastating fire.

St Mary Magdalene in Lundwood, Barnsley, featured in the Channel 4 hit documentary which spent a year following a young American, Father James McCaskill, as he attempted to get local people back into church.

His congregation multiplied by four - but a fire broke out in the church hall as workmen replaced roof felting.

The fire destroyed the roof of the hall and gutted the interior with insurers estimating the damage at £300,000 by insurers. It was a huge blow to Fr James as the hall provided a centre for the community. He took up a posting back in America in 2009.

The remnants of the old hall have been demolished to allow for a new building and today the new vicar, Revd Kevin Maddy, who joined the church last year from Japan, will lead a special carol service and Christmas draw from 4pm.