Bishop Hugh led a special service at All Saints’ Church in Wribbenhall (between Bewdley and Kidderminster) on Sunday. The Bishop blessed the church following the full reopening of the nave enabling the whole church to be able to be used.
Following a plaster fall from the ceiling seven years ago, much of the nave has been closed to ensure that it was safe. Following some repair work to the roof to stop water ingress, and no further plaster falling, a specialist has agreed that it is now safe and the nave can reopen.
Rector, Mel Beynon, said:
“Although the congregation managed to do some brilliant community work in only half the church, being fully open will enable the building to have a much wider range of uses and we are delighted that this is now possible. We have a number of events planned throughout the year to celebrate, including our first wedding in August and a focus on All Saints’ Day in November. Sunday’s service was a great chance to give thanks and begin to look forward with optimism and joy!”
The service featured a range a music reflecting All Saints’ strong musical tradition. Former choir members returned to sing, and soloists and groups provided background music during the refreshments at the end of the service. There was also a key role for young people. The second reading was read by Violet, age 8, and local Guide, Brownie and Beaver groups processed their flags and played hand chimes to imitate church bells. Representatives of those who already use the Church each offered an object which represented their group or activity. During the service the doors to the church were symbolically flung open with the Bishop declaring: “Open the doors of this house of prayer, that all may enter and praise the Lord!”
Bishop Hugh said:
“It matters that we celebrate the big moments! The service at Wribbenhall Church was an opportunity to acknowledge and lay down all the frustrations and hard work that have happened to get to this point and leave them behind as a new chapter begins. It is obvious that this is a church which loves music and singing and also really cares both about their church building and the local community which they serve.”
Churchwarden and Organist, Angela Cattanach-Chell, said: “It is wonderful to have the whole space back and gives our church a completely different feel. It’s been a difficult few years, but we’ve still managed to use the church to reach out to our community. Our Monday morning Knit and Natter group regularly has over 30 women who support each other, a Read Easy group teaches adults to read, fund-raising events, and we run children’s activities in the school holidays. We have regular music activities, including a Boogie/Piano learning group and a small regular choir. We’ve now got plans to start more groups, including for toddlers, as well as offering the church as a venue for concerts, including those organised by the Bewdley Festival.”
Mel continued:
"Sunday was a complete community celebration, expressing the beauty & variety of All Saints church family & all who contribute. There were many wonderful moments, from throwing open the church doors, to the marvellous music. The involvement of children and young people was delightful, especially when young Violet Banks read from Matthew’s gospel.”
