St George's Crypt

1930 – 1939

The challenge was given in the first evening sermon preached at St George's Church by the new Vicar, the Rev. Percy Donald Robins, aged thirty, who was to become known in a few short years to thousands of people in all walks of life as ‘Don’.

Don saw the familiar signs of the Depression – enforced idleness, hunger, hardship and despair. Beneath the Church lay a Crypt and to Don this was the obvious place to meet his own challenge.

The Crypt was full of vaults and coffins, there were gaping holes in the walls and the floor was deep with dust. The first £3 ever raised for the Crypt was spent on canvas to cover the coffins and gaping holes. Members of the congregation brought milk, sugar and cocoa. Immediately it opened men poured in and an appeal by Don brought in more food and clothing as the numbers grew.

1939 – 1949

During the war Don's ministry shifted to the support of those affected by the onset of hostilities and the Night Shelter became an Air Raid Shelter.

Post - war the Crypt reorientated itself to meet the changing needs from those seeking work to those seeking rehabilitation.

Don died in February 1948. He left the Crypt but his spirit is an unfailing inspiration to those who follow.

1949 – 1959

‘Faith Lodge, Leeds, is a half-way house - half-way for the down-and-out between the park bench and a proper home, between prison and a respectable life, and between degradation and self-respect.’

In July 1954 Faith Lodge was opened to accommodate men who needed time to rehabilitate before settling back into society.

In the first nine months about 50% of the residents were resettled into society. Faith Lodge was run as an extended family house where those who lived there extended Christian charity towards one another.

1959 – 1969

In February 1967 the Crypt became a registered charity. The Trust Deed states its objects as:

“The promotion of evangelism among needy and destitute persons.”

“The relief of poverty, hardship, sickness and distress among needy and destitute persons.”

It was at this point that the board of Trustees was founded with two ex-officio trustees (the Archdeacon of Leeds and the Vicar of St George’s Church) and seven appointed by name.

1969 – 1979

In 1975 Rev Don Paterson returned to the Crypt as its Warden.

Don became a Christian whilst a student in Leeds in the 1950's, from 1962 served as Warden of Faith Lodge for six years, and left the Crypt for parish life as an ordained minister before returning.

‘Don's brand of Christianity was not of the contemplative school. His was of the roll-up-your-sleeves variety. Where there was poverty, suffering, loneliness or failure he saw a person, not an abstract social problem, and he believed in offering dignity and hope in practical ways.’

1979 – 1989

St George’s Crypt continued to provide services to over 130 homeless and disadvantaged people every day. The work of the hostels also continued to grow in importance. St George’s Church celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1988.

In the anniversary booklet, the following was written: “The work of the Crypt is respected throughout the Church of England and beyond. It is crucial the Church and Crypt are kept spiritually and practically together”.

1989 – 1999

In 1990 the Charity restructured the management and day to day running of the work.

In 1995 the Trustees launched a major capital appeal ‘More than a roof’. This was in response to an increasing urgency to significantly update the Crypt’s facilities.

In May 1998 building work commenced, and was completed in July 1999 with a rededication service on 14 September 1999 led by the Archbishop of York.

1999 – 2005

Nearly seven decades on and in response to new demands, the work of the Charity has expanded considerably.

The vision towards 2005 was launched in 2000 and the Charity aims to provide professional standards of care within a framework of Christian faith and witness to the clients, all of whom are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their age, sex, ethnic origin or religious belief.

A milestone during the early 2000s was a visit from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. She took time during her visit to talk to clients, staff and volunteers.