A historic church in Leyland has been forced to cover up offensive graffiti with greenery to allow a planned Easter wedding to go ahead, after it was targeted by vandals on Good Friday.
Vandalism Shocks Community During Holy Week
St James Church, located near Preston, became the target of a disturbing act of vandalism just days before Easter. The offenders defaced the Grade II-listed building with crude images and offensive language, extending their destruction to nearly 40 gravestones in the churchyard.
Lancashire Police have confirmed that they are treating the incident as a hate crime. They described it as a “disgraceful act” that has caused considerable distress to the congregation and wider community.
Church Presses On Despite Disturbance
Despite the damage, Reverend Marc Wolverson was determined not to let the attack disrupt the church’s plans. The Good Friday service went ahead as scheduled, and preparations continued for a wedding set to take place on Easter Saturday.
Rev Wolverson said efforts had been made to conceal the most graphic graffiti using conifer plants, ensuring that the couple could still take their wedding photographs.
“We said, ‘No, this is Good Friday. We’re not going to let these vandals stop our worship,” he told the PA news agency. “We’ve done our best to shield the couple and their guests from the worst of the damage so they can still celebrate their special day.”
Deep Sense of Loss and Outrage
The vicar, who described the discovery as “shocking and disgusting”, was particularly saddened by the defilement of graves, calling it a “horrendous” act.
“People come here to mourn, to find peace and hope. It’s unthinkable that someone would violate such a sacred space,” he said.
Local councillor and Deputy Mayor of South Ribble, Paul Wharton-Hardman, echoed those sentiments. Calling the graffiti “revolting and hate-filled,” he condemned the attack as “deliberate, sickening and cowardly.”
In a social media post, he wrote: “This wasn’t mindless vandalism. It was a targeted attack on a place of peace, memory, and faith. It’s more than disrespectful — it’s evil.”
Community Rallies Around
The incident, while deeply upsetting, has also prompted a groundswell of support for the church. Rev Wolverson said he was “overwhelmed” by the kindness of local residents and the council, many of whom have offered help in restoring the site.
“The community’s response has been incredible,” he said. “In the face of such hate, we’ve seen love and unity shine through. That gives us hope.”
Police Investigation Ongoing
Lancashire Police are continuing their investigation and have urged anyone with information to come forward. Detective Sergeant Lee Jamieson confirmed the force is treating the matter with utmost seriousness.
“This disgraceful act demonstrates a complete lack of respect. We are committed to identifying those responsible and bringing them to justice,” he said.
How to Help
Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or who has information that could assist with the investigation is encouraged to contact the police on 101, quoting log 0399 of April 18. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be shared via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers.org.
