Let Celebrate -we are half way there
St Sampson Rises – a Celebration
St Sampson’s Church, South Hill, Cornwall is halfway to raising £300K of the £600K needed for its Herculean restoration project to make the church sustainable for the 21st century and beyond by restoring the unique heritage, increasing community use and growing the congregation.
St Sampson’s celebration day, on Sunday 7th April starts with a thanksgiving service at 11.15am lead by Archdeacon Kelly Betteridge, followed by lunch and an open afternoon at 1.30pm, of tours, talks and exhibits, highlighting the completed works. These include: the restoration of the stained glass windows; installation of mains water; a composting toilet in the churchyard; restoration of the Michael Hill monument; the removal of the bells for restoration; masonry repairs and door restoration. The celebration will all happen under the warmth from our new heaters and with refreshments being enjoyed in the space created at the back of the church.
Delicious cream teas will be served in the afternoon, with a celebration serpent cake symbolising St Sampson slaying the giant serpent, and a glass of bubbly to end the festivities.
Rt. Rev. Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Winchester (former Bishop of Truro until Sept 2023) said
‘I am delighted by what you’ve done at St Sampson’s and am inspired by your energy, commitment and passion – it stands as such a wonderful example to others of just what is possible’.
The parishioners and community are determined that St Sampson’s Church will be here for the next few hundred years.
Spokeswoman Judith Ayers said ‘We thought we should celebrate our amazing achievement and give thanks for the work done and the funds raised so far. This is an example of what can be done with much enthusiasm and determination’.
The St Sampson’s Unlocked project started in 2019, with a big vision and a long list! Step by step the project is progressing and despite various setbacks the team continue with enthusiasm to keep moving forwards.
The Parochial Church Council recently received Church of England Faculty approval for the next phase of the project which includes: repairing the roof and ceiling, installing a kitchen and indoor WC facilities and creating a cosy meeting room with underfloor heating.
Not only has St Sampson’s been focusing on the building. The churchyard has also had loving care, with its parallel Living Churchyard Project caring for this ancient land. This year has seen bird and bat boxes installed, surveys of flora and fauna, a new grass cutting regime to encourage wild flowers and wildlife, discovery packs with activities for children and new benches where everyone can enjoy and contemplate the quiet space.
St Sampson’s congregation feels that it really is an excellent time to celebrate their achievements. ‘Everyone is welcome to come and see what has been achieved, and to hear our plans for the future as we move into the next phase’.
If you value Cornish heritage and would like to donate to this inspiring place, please visit.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/StSampsons-Church-SouthHill-Cornwall
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