THE BISHOP of Worcester paid a special visit to a church to bless their new glass doors and lighting system.
The Right Rev Dr John Inge went to St Martin’s Church, on London Road, on Monday, July 6 and held a service of Choral Evensong which was attended by about 100 people.
During the sermon he said it was fortuitous that both projects had been completed at the time as passers-by can look through the doors and see the new lights.
The £100,000 lighting renovation was brought about through the churches SMILE appeal which was launched in October last year after the 100-year-old electrics were deemed unsafe during an inspection.
The majority of the money was came from charity and personal donations and fund-raising event held by St Martin’s, who achieved their target within just six months.
The south porch doors of the church, which were donated by parishioners Anthony and Julia Glossop, have a glass etching design by local artist Sara Hayward.
The inscription is a quote from Jesus that appears in St Matthew’s Gospel and reads ‘I was a stranger and you made me welcome’.
Bishop John said: “It is my hope that more people will pass on the London Road and catch a glimpse of haven.”
The Rector of St Martin’s Church, Ken Boyce, said: “The new glass doors have made an important connection with passers-by. By keeping open the inner doors of the south porch into the nave of the church there is a view from the London Road right into the heart of the church. The south porch has become laterally a window into what we are here for.”
