Devon’s wonderful churches The jewels in our communities
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ems come in all shapes and sizes and for most of us, However, the fine fabric and creative craftsmanship are not the only gems to be found in our local churches. something we can only aspire to. However, we all Praises should undoubtedly be sung for the volunteers have one in our midst which is often taken for granted – who work so hard to maintain, refurbish and enhance the parish church! them day by day, year after year in myriad ways. The These glorious buildings, created by our forebears with enormous skill, are not only one of the most outstanding challenges they face are never-ending and constantly changing; illustrating considerable strength, ingenuity features in our communities. If you step inside you and determination in their fight against their exposure will discover our rich heritage of craftsmanship, with to the elements, the endless need to raise funds to cover examples of skills rarely seen elsewhere and of immense running costs and the weighty load of increasing and beauty and creativity. complex regulations. And then – the tower shows a The range of architectural design and location is fault line, the tiles slip substantial - many with Praises should undoubtedly be sung for away, dry rot is found in glorious interiors like the the fabric – a multitude amazing screen to be found the volunteers who work so hard to of horrors appear, all in Sheepstor Church and the maintain, refurbish and enhance them day requiring extra grit and wonderful country setting of by day, year after year in myriad ways resources from these Ermington with its famous human treasures at the twisted spire. Devon is one heart of our communities. of the most fortunate areas of the country in so many At times like these our churches need all the friends they ways, with the beauty of its coastline and countryside, its can garner – and amongst them is the Devon Historic moors and valleys, enhanced in every community by the Churches Trust, dedicated to funding repairs for the church at its heart. preservation of our Christian architectural heritage. The importance of these buildings is undeniable; Like our parish communities, it is a volunteer representing history, architecture and continuity through the generations; a place of quiet contemplation in times of organisation working hard to raise funds so that a vital life-line of financial aid can be provided to Devon personal crisis or thanksgiving at the end of a life; a place for celebration at a time of birth or marriage and even for churches in their time of need. The ethos of the trust is ‘never to say no’ to any application within its remit. those who do not attend regular services, they provide a It is very aware of the complex nature of funding spiritually uplifting occasion to come together with ones applications required by other sources, so the DHCT neighbours at Easter, Festivals and Christmastide.
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