Parish church emerges from arson horror
A CHURCH has been restored to its former glory after arsonists set fire to it causing £250,000 worth of damage.
The 130-year-old St James Church in Clanfield, was set alight on December 1, 2007, leaving Canon Gill Hill and her congregation in the rural parish devastated.
The blaze destroyed the vestry and the roof, while the altar and chancel were blackened by the smoke.
It took 40 firefighters to get the blaze under control and until just a few weeks ago all services had to be held in the church hall next door.
But after 18 months of intense work by craftsmen and parishioners the church has finally reopened to the delight of the community.
Canon Hill said: 'It was very difficult for us but the congregation kept coming and we had quite a joyful time. Everybody pulled together, the whole community was supportive.
'It was wonderful to come back into the church for the first time.
'We were so lucky that Bishop Kenneth (Stevenson) was able to take the rededication service because he is retiring soon.
'There were so many people here for it that we had to set up a video link to the church hall.
'The church is now so bright and welcoming but at the same time it feels like we've never been away.'
Repairs cost the Ecclesiastical insurance company 250,000 and the church in South Lane now has a new vestry, wooden beams, organ, heating and lighting.
Because of grants from East Hampshire District Council and Clanfield Parish Council Canon Hill has been able to upgrade the church with new sound and lighting equipment including a loop system for people who are hard of hearing.
The money was also used for a wrought iron vestry screen to replace the old wooden one which was destroyed.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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