Thread by @friendschurches

By the 1860s, St Andrews, South Huish was showing its age.

During a service, high winds blew in a pane of glass. Shards narrowly missed Fr Hole, the officiant.

It was the death knell for the church...

But not before it gave up one final secret hidden in its walls...

#thread

Fr Hole stopped all services. To repair the church they were quoted £300. (About £37,000 today)

That sort of money simply wasn’t available. It would be cheaper to build a new church.

Fr Hole set about dismantling St Andrew’s bit-by-bit…

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The 14th-century font and marble tablets were relocated to the new church at Galmpton. The ancient stoup found its way to Salcombe church. The 16th-century painted screen was sold to Mr Ilbert of Bowringsleigh for 20 guineas. The Earl of Devon bought the pews.

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The roof timbers were sold for a lump sum of £5. The lead went for £10 and four shillings. The six bells were removed but all trace of them is lost. In 1884, the south arcade collapsed. The parishioners gathered the masonry and used it in rebuilding Kingsbridge church.

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Fr Hole was nothing if not thorough. While clearing out a niche, he discovered fragments of a 15th-century alabaster reredos buried behind the plaster in the east wall!

What a thrill!

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The fragments depict scenes from the life of Christ. They are so well-preserved and even retain traces of original paint! You will be glad to know Fr Hole didn't flog these sculptures... and they are now displayed at Galmpton church.

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When we adopted St Andrews in 1976, it was a sorry state. Work has been gradual and continuous.

Nature is constantly trying to reclaim this church. We continue to mend it a little each year.

This is a place where prayer has been valid.

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