Saturday 19 December 2015

St. James Church at Arlington Court

Although surrounded by the National Trust Arlington Court estate, St. James Church is run by the C of E ...here's a clip from their information online:

The Church of England.  St. James, Arlington: In Victorian times when the church was largely rebuilt to serve the much larger numbers of estate employees and tenants, attendance at services would have been expected for all villagers.  Nowadays the much smaller population of churchgoers struggle to support and maintain the building and with the main combined parish church only about a mile away at East Down measures are being taken to make St. James Church redundant.  Nevertheless, although few services are currently held the church remains open, visitors are welcome and donations for maintaining the building much appreciated.

(map courtesy of Bing mapping)


 


So, considering this church will close, undoubtedly during 2016, it was good to visit and see the work that has gone into their Christmas decorations.  Local Businesses and individuals have a tree they have each decorated...



Deciding which photos to add (I took a few) was difficult, so I've settled on showing All of them...

























William wasn't impressed with his door though!


Sorry lad, only joking...

10 comments:

Marie Smith said...

If these walls could talk! Such a beautiful church. It would be such a loss if it had to close.

ann @ studiohyde said...

Such is the way of the world these days Marie. So many churches have been Sold off over the years and converted into houses. Not sure this would happen here, but still a pity it will close for services.

Eileen H said...

We stayed in a converted church in the Lake District last year for a week's holiday. They had retained the stained glass windows but totally modernised it inside. It looked very similar to that church. It is such a shame in a way, I hope the community can help keep that one open. Love the William sized door :)

Judy said...

Such a beautiful historical building, so sad if it has to close.

ann @ studiohyde said...

I think in some communities the church is so rarely used, the only option is to sell them. This church is on the Arlington Court estate, so I can't see it being used as a house, but it is a shame if it just sits and goes to ruin though.

ann @ studiohyde said...

It is sad Judy. We really enjoyed visiting and seeing those Christmas trees.

Christine said...

The end of an era, interesting photos, thanks.

ann @ studiohyde said...

Yes it is, a pity.

robin cox walsh said...

When in doubt, show them all has always been my motto too! Thanks for sharing. :)

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks Robin, it's taken me years to catch onto that! ;)