The church bells rang out at All Saints in Milford on Sea last Sunday for the first time since February, as the village came together to celebrate the completion of major repairs to the church tower.
But for the church, the restoration has been about much more than repairing a building. From the beginning, the project was seen as an opportunity to engage with the wider community, build relationships, to invite people to discover All Saints and to share the love of Jesus.
Vicar Revd Tasha Anderson said, “It’s never been about fundraising. It’s always been about a missional opportunity to reach out into the community and for the community to be part of their church.
“There are so many people who have helped but we wanted all the glory to go to God. We have been amazed at how quickly things have happened, including faculties and permissions, how relationships with trades people and craftsmen have worked so well. All the way through we can see signs of God at work, His blessing, His goodness and His favour. It truly has been a joy to see that journey, and our hope and prayer is that it will continue; that as this has drawn more of our community into the church, they will be drawn back again and again.”
Two successive Quinquennial reviews had highlighted an urgent need for repairs to the tower. Further work was also needed to the ringing chamber, the stained-glass windows, weather vane and to the spire.
An initial estimate of £80,000 swiftly rose to £300,000. The church was in a fortunate position to have some reserves, but substantial funding was needed through grants and donations.
Before fundraising efforts began, the church carried out a survey in the village, asking people about their connections with All Saints, what they valued about the church and what would encourage them to visit more often. The responses helped to shape activities and engagement with the community, as well as the school and youth groups.
Elizabeth Whatmore, Fundraising Lead for the tower appeal said, “We wanted to reach out to the community and encourage them to come into the church, to be part of the journey and to use the church more themselves. It was about reminding people that the church is here, it belongs to them and is a lovely welcoming space. The church is a place for the community and serving the community, as it’s done for over 900 years. We were keen that was the journey we were on.”
Nineteen tower appeal events were organised by the church, school and youth groups, musical groups and church members. These included an open church event with an opportunity to try bellringing, a heritage weekend, and a week-long harvest inspired celebration, featuring a flower festival, work by local artists, music, a harvest supper and ceilidh.
Community organisations, that would not normally be involved with the church, also took part, providing displays and activities, and helping to strengthen connections across the village.
The church has close links with the primary school and pupils and families organised events including a tabletop sale and non-uniform day,
Rebecca Webb, Families and Schools Leader, said, “Our prayer is that whatever it is that brings people into the building, whether it’s a concert, an exhibition or a workshop, that these small steps are all part of normalising the experience of being in a place that is far from normal; a place where God’s presence is palpable. A place built by a community that wanted to worship God together, where people have continued to worship for nearly 1000 years. A place where people of all ages can find a peace, a comfort and even a strength that cannot be found elsewhere.”
With support from the diocese, successful grant applications were made to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Churches Trust and Garfield Weston Foundation, securing just over £100,000 towards the project.
The work to the tower began with prayers attended by the contractors, asking for God’s blessing on the repairs.
Annabel Taylor, Churchwarden, said, “We’ve been amazed that within our church family, people have different giftings and they’ve come to the fore. We’ve got people with a background in architecture, finance and other people who have an interest in buildings. They’ve all come together and worked as a team. We have been praying for this project a lot and we give thanks to God. We also pray that it’s brought people into church, who wouldn’t otherwise come, and that they’ll be drawn a bit closer to Jesus.”
Natalie Richardson, an architect and a member of the Buildings and Fabrics committee, said, “Everyone’s committed so much time and money and it’s rewarding for them to see it all done. The community has been able to hear the bells for the first time since February, which is lovely. It’s been a good opportunity for people to learn about what’s been involved and what’s taken place.”
Many members of the community attended Sunday’s special service, which dedicated the restored tower to the glory of God and gave thanks for the restoration and the skills, hard work and generosity of everyone involved.
The Archdeacon of Bournemouth, the Venerable Dr Gemma Foster, led the time of thanksgiving and dedication, during her first week in post.
She said, “I feel so encouraged being here at All Saints. It’s been lovely to see the church full and the community so enthused and excited about what this bell tower project means. It’s lovely to see so many people being the hands and feet in the body of Christ, doing their part to make a difference. I hope people will hear the bells ring, and it will ring a bell in their heart to bring them back to this place to meet Jesus for themselves.”
The church has now established new Outreach and Mission and Communications teams to continue developing relationships formed through the project. Cards welcoming people to the church were placed on every seat ahead of the service.
The celebration was followed by cream teas in the church hall. It was more than a celebration of the restored belltower but a community coming together and bringing glory to God.
