A service of Thanksgiving and Rededication was held on Sunday 28th April 2024.The Service was led by Canon Bill Ankers, and our organist Jonathan Piercy played to accompany hymns. We were very pleased to also welcome Swinton Brass Band, and hear the lovely sound of their instruments echoing through the church. The Street Music group were also in attendance and sang two beautiful anthems. Canon Bill led us in a service he entitled "A walk through the Church". Canon Bill began his service at the door of the church and explained the significance of the font being placed there. He went on towards the lectern and then to the pulpit. It was such an interesting sermon recognizing the churches long heritage in that there has been a building on the site for almost 1000 years. There are in the porch of St Helens some ancient Anglo Saxon grave slabs, believed to be around 900 years. How wonderful to think that people have been worshiping on this site for such a long time. Our Church is a very important part of our three Villages lives and is is good to have been able to carry out these essential repairs We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who contributed towards the work that has been carried out at St Helens Church. Whether it was in washing up at our events, serving teas, gifting prizes, coming to our table top sale, our Carol service, Bingo or attending church and donating there. We are grateful to everyone. The Church is there for all of our community and is open daily for quiet prayer and reflection. We continue to hold services on the fourth Sunday of each month, and our door is open, all welcome. We have refreshments after each service, so come and say hello.
Our building Contractors began on site mid November last year. Close inspection of the areas of concern uncovered that damage to the arch above our organ was far worse than originally anticipated. Therefore within a few weeks work was brought to a halt to allow structural engineers on site to assess and plan for the unexpected problem. Fortunately the structural problems within the arch could be addressed by placing strengthening rods into the masonry.Work has progressed well since, and the contract is nearing completion. The interior of the building and exterior leadwork has been completely redecorated. All four windows have been restored. We had an Archiologist on site while the soakaway was being installed. Fortunately the excavations to accommodate the soak away did not disturb any interments.A book will be available in St Helens Church giving details and photographs of the works undertaken.We are now planning our service of rededication, which will be held at St Helens Church on Sunday 28th April at 10.30 am. More information to follow.
We have at last reached our target amount of £50000 which will allow us to begin restoration work on St Helens Church. We will have our last service on Monday 30th October then the church will close temporarily for approximately three months.We had to apply to Bishop John to be allowed to close the building, and Bishop John has kindly given his permission for temporary closure of the Church from 1st November 2023 until 28th February 2024. This is giving us enough time to complete the works.We had our pre contract planning meeting last Monday and everything is set with the Contractors and Architect to begin on the planned date. As part of the work is due to be done on the arch above the pipe organ we have had to ask our organ builder Andrew to build a protective covering over the organ so work can be carried out safely without causing any damage.It is a very exciting time for us all and we pray for the project.wmwilsonsthelenschurch@gmail.com
Congratulations to Hebe and Max who held their wedding at St Helens ChurchRevd. Wyn Maskell officiated at the service and also sang a solo to the couple with his wonderful tenor voice.The church was beautifully decorated with fresh flowers and seasonal greenery. Every window was decorated with candles bound around with holly and ivy that sparkled and shone out as darkness closed in on the afternoon. The main floral display was a wonderful cascade of flowers near the altar.It was a happy family occasion and we wish them joy as they begin their married life together. With over 200 guests the whole church was bursting with love and happiness.
