Did you all watch the coronation of King Charles with all its pageantry? I thoroughly enjoyed it all as I am a bit of a Royalist. In fact, it was the second coronation I had seen as I was just 6 years old when Queen Elizabeth was crowned in 1953. I remember sitting in our front room with all the children from our little village school watching on a rather small television. Being consecrated into a particular role is a very moving experience and being anointed with Holy Oil is very special. Priests are so consecrated, and I was incredibly moved at my consecration or ordination.
This year we will also celebrate another consecration. The consecration of St Michael and All Angels Church, Welshampton which happened 160 years ago on 29th July 1863. There had previously been a small brick-built church which had fallen into disrepair. So, it was decided to demolish that and build a brand-new up-to-date building. Initially it was proposed that the Parishioners would subscribe to the cost of building but, perhaps fortunately for us, Mrs Charles Kynaston Mainwaring decided to build the church at her own expense in memory of her husband who was the Patron and had recently died.
I won’t give you any more of the history of the church as Christopher Jobson has written two books – one on the history of the church and another on the history of Welshampton from pre-historic time to almost present day. You can purchase the books in the church which is open all-day Saturday. Also, Christopher has kindly agreed to talk to us about the church and its history on Saturday 15th July. Watch this space for further details.
It is proposed to follow this with a concert on or around the Feast of St Michael and All Angels which is on the 29th September each year, which this year falls on a Friday, and to have a very special service on the Sunday morning. As yet all this needs to be finalised so again watch this space.
If anyone has ideas how we might celebrate this 160 years do get in touch with the churchwardens or me.
Love and Blessings,
Revd. Anne