Songs of praise filled the village church of St Leonard’s in the village of Burton Leonard near Ripon as it was rededicated, almost 140 years to the day after it was originally dedicated.
The service came after several months of work to repair and refurbish the church’s stonework and windows which cost the church more than £56,000, money raised by fundraising and a bequest to the church.
Worship was able to continue during the disruption, said Associate Priest, the Revd Sheila Murray, but a lot of work was needed by volunteers to make it possible – and during the repairs the hymns were accompanied on an upright piano instead of the organ.
“The work was done in two phases,” she explained. “The first phase was windows and stonework on the south and west sides. Then then it was the north and east windows. This second phase was done in nine weeks.
“We managed to carry on with services in the church and squeezed the work in between two weddings.
“While the windows were away, we had just board in place, making it all a bit dark and very dusty. The organ had to be covered up completely to stop the dust damaging the works. We used the upright piano for services during this time.”
So it was with relief and thanksgiving that the congregation held a Songs of Praise service of rededication with the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson, preaching.
The hymns – accompanied once again on the organ – were chosen by members of the fabric team and those who had spent hours cleaning the church each week to allow dust free worship to continue.
They included Morning has Broken, Crown Him with many Crowns, How great Thou art, I the Lord of sea and sky, Love divine, All creatures of our God and King, Lord of all hopefulness, and Make me a channel of your peace.
“After the service the congregation moved to the St Leonard's Hall for a glass of wine and some light snacks - a wonderful evening for all,” said Sheila.