Highlight of the Trip

Our spontaneous guide demonstrating how the original school bell works.

The story continues (you may have to scroll down to read the first part before reading this). While we ate at Ring of Bells (I highly recommend the Juicy Lucy!) our Helpful Gentleman was keeping an eye out on the church when another man arrived to do some painting. He explained that we had come all the way from America to see the church and the New Arrival agreed to show us around and give us a bit of history. It's easier for me to just caption the photos than write out the narration.

Looking toward the altar. This elaborate wooden piece went missing from the church and was later found in a thrift shop!

Another view

Our guide informed us that there was a dragon carved somewhere, but was reluctant to point it out. Oh, my!!! The three men further to the right (and not in this shot) were in an even more compromising situation.

Looking back toward the bell tower.

The Slade family arms. They are kind of The Family at this church.

Carved pews

Our guide told us that the amount of stained glass in the church suggests that this was a very wealthy church at one time. Unfortunately attendance has dwindled and they now share a minister with a neighboring church and only meet here every other week.

The ceiling over the altar area (not sure of the terminology). At one time the walls were just as elaborately decorated.

This is where Granny and Grandpa stood during their wedding ceremony.

A very successful journey indeed! I hope you enjoyed it.

**I just found this and it is fascinating! You really should read it.
***Here is a link to the church's website, giving a bit of the history. It is hard to believe this building has been standing here since the late 1200s!