Who are the Friends?
All those who value St Mary’s Church and wish to contribute regularly towards the cost of its repair, maintenance, improvement and the enhancement of the beauty of the interior and furnishings.
The Friends of St Mary’s Church, Shrewton is a registered charity (No. 1091400) formed to raise funds to repair, maintain, improve and enhance the beauty of our historic parish church.
Since The Friends were formed in 2002 more than £50,000 has been raised and The Friends have provided funds for, among other things, the re-decoration of the interior of the church, the re-roofing of the north side of the nave, repairs to the stonework the window grills the churchyard railings and the wrought iron gates to the porch. In addition, The Friends have contributed to the cost of re-ordering the nave with a raised platform, nave altar, lectern and a purpose built kitchen unit all made by skilled craftsmen in oak. The result gives the church an ”open” feel in which the congregation feels included and enables the church to be used for other events such as concerts and drama productions.
What needs to be done?
The church members already raise the money to run the church from day to day from regular giving and fund-raising events. These costs include funding the clergy stipend and pension, and finding the routine running expenses for heating, electricity, insurance and so on. Beyond this however, as with all historic buildings, there is always work to be done – repairs and maintenance is required to the walls, roof, windows and heating. The cost of this work is always substantial and cannot be met from normal income.
That is where The Friends step in.
Why join the Friends?
- You believe our generation has a responsibility to maintain the church so that it will be there for future generations to use and enjoy.
- You appreciate the church as a beautiful and historic building.
- You live or work in Shrewton and the church is part of the history of the community.
- You were baptised or married in the church, or your forebears are buried in the churchyard and it is part of your family history.
- You value the church as a place of worship and prayer, and peace and tranquility.
- There may be times when you and your family will want to use the church, perhaps for marriages, baptisms and funerals.
- You are a visitor and find it a place of interest that you wish to help preserve.
- You wish to make a personal contribution of money.
Anyone wishing to join The Friends should contact Richard Dennis Click Here to email Richard.