Towering Heavenwards

To the returning mariner it was the first sight of home. To the many, who for over a century have entered through its doors, it was to be filled with a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty meeting the human eye. Sight drawn towards the chancel, the high altar, the tapestry, and the magnificent mural adorning the east end below the tower. A mural depicting the creation, not least the human hands, imagination and creativity offered to God through this work of art , completed in the late 1920’s. The original drawing of Prior’s design which can still be seen in the vestry.

Surrounding the mural are quotations from Genesis and a depiction of heaven and earth as a "garden of delight." Prior's design, executed by MacDonald Gill rendered a vision of an earthly paradise, the only decoration in stark contrast to the building itself.

An east end tower specifically designed to point towards the sea being one of many unusual sights to greet the visitor and regular congregation alike. A previous vicar Dennis Marsh  described the tower as "a beacon for our sailor brothers", and giving "a parting message of peace and courage, for did not Jesus come walking to the toilers on the sea?" In placing the tower over the chancel the architect seemed to break down barriers between altar and nave, clergy and congregation, and gave that intrepid band of bell ringers an elevated dignity high above the "creation mural" ringing out the call to worship.

    Of course all of us are used to the power of a raging east wind and accompanying rains. Alas over time the effects of weather and salt air have now left the tower in an unstable state. Water leaking through the roof, unstable turrets requiring the flagpole to be taken down, water ingress destroying part of the mural, and a threat to the bell chamber and that intrepid band of campanologists.

I am now pleased to announce that the church has secured a Heritage Lottery grant to renovate the tower at a cost of £256,000. The work is planned to commence in March 17 and take several months with the tower surrounded by scaffolding and the bells silent for a while.

Yet perhaps as we gaze on the scaffolding when the work commences, our hearts and minds may be drawn to the God who supports us, renews us, and keeps us safe through his towering presence of love for each one of us. A renewal that will sustain the church for years to come. A God who will sustain our faith in him forever.

 

John Pattinson