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The Church of Saint Mary and Saint Peter dates from the XIIth century and has always been associated with, and was for a long time linked to, the Benedictine Priory close by. The Church lies below the Chalk Down figure of "The Long Man of Wilmington" and with its lovely setting, 1600 year old yew tree and interesting "Bee and Butterfly" stained glass window, has, for long, been a great attraction to visitors. The parish with its sister village of Milton Street is in the Benefice of Arlington, Folkington and Wilmington, currently served by a non stipendiary priest.
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The Recent Fire
On Sunday 21st July 2002 the Church suffered a severe fire which destroyed the north Transept (Vestry), the "Bee and Butterfly" window and the Victorian Organ. Extensive heat, smoke and water damage occurred in the rest of the Church. Since then a major restoration has taken place and the Church was rededicated by the Right Reverend John Hind, Bishop of Chichester on the 4th of January 2004 at a celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
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Whilst all true fire damage repairs have been funded by the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group through an insurance claim, there have been some aspects of essential work funded by the Parochial Church Council (PCC). With the Church almost completely clear and needing extensive repair a unique opportunity has been taken to reorder the Church so that best use can be madeof this Grade I listed building for worship and for the needs of the wider community.
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Functions of the Restored Church
Understandably, the parish has been urged to use the present situation to create a new vision for the work of our Church. This vision is of a warm, welcoming building in which we can provide the variety of worship that appeals to different elements in the congregation. We have tried to bring such elements together in ways that encourage community and early indications are that we have gone along way to achieving this aim.
The important, wider interest in historic buildings and the Church's place in tourism have also been recognised in giving the restored building features which encourage visitors and capture for them a wonder of Christianity.
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The Church's Needs
As a Grade I listed mediaeval downland Church, the architecture, fixtures and fittings need to be maintained with simplicity, clarity and high quality; all the new work now reflects the ethos of the place. Since it will be important to use the Church for a variety of settings and to achieve a seating capacity of, at least, 150, we have proceeded in a way that has maintained flexibility of seating and has not constrained the siting of such elements as the altar, and music in the future. The new heating system has made a striking improvement to the maintenance of the interior fabric and to the welcoming atmosphere.
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Visitors
For visitors too, the Church needs to be a haven of tranquillity instilling a strong sense of peace. The new feel of the Church expresses thisalthough a powerful yet delicately crafted replacement for the "Bee and Butterfly" window will not be in place until the spring of this year.
John Marshall
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