St Lawrence Church
Church Renovation
St Lawrence Church itself is nearing the end of a £150,000 restoration project, funded by a grant from English Heritage, support from the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust and substantial community fund-raising.
The next phase of ongoing maintenance will include:
- replacement of defective wall plaster following ingress of rainwater over many years, followed by complete redecoration internally
- redecoration of the Porch
- repointing of the walls surrounding the churchyard and attention to the trees which it contains
- renewing the bearings on which four of the five bells are hung, and
- restoration of a Coat of Arms commemorating the reign of William IV and thought to have been the gift of the then Lord of the Manor.
A programme of fund-raising events is taking place and all who share in appreciation of the part that the Church has within the community are invited to contribute to a Gift Day on 15th September 2007 as part of this effort.
The churchyard was levelled and tombstones arranged around the perimeter towards the end of the last century, creating a readily accessible area for quiet contemplation as well as a very special setting for the Church itself. A new graveyard has been opened a hundred yards or so to the west of the churchyard in which recent burials have taken place. Both areas are the subject of careful attention and continuing maintenance.
In order to facilitate their safe and quiet use by villagers and visitors alike work is planned in the near future to rectify some unevenness in the paths. Visitors are asked to exercise care, particularly in the new graveyard.
The Church and Benefice is currently without a Rector but is wonderfully well-served by a Lay Ministry Team comprising two ordained priests, several licensed Readers and others under the guidance of the Rural Dean. Enquirers for Funerals, Christenings, Weddings and any form of spiritual support or guidance are asked to contact Rev'd Janet Edwards on 01952 583254 or either of the Churchwardens: John Wells on 01952 505080 or Robert Justham on 01952 244136
