|
|
|
|
|
|
600th Anniversary - Knowle Parish Church.
Retracing the Steps to Hampton in Arden
Sharing in Worship and Hospitality - and Repaying a Debt!
Before Knowle Parish Church was built 600 years ago, the people of Knowle walked to Hampton-in-Arden every week to go to Church, negotiating the “great and daungerwose water” of the River Blythe (as recorded in The History of Knowle, by Eva Wootton); a journey of nearly 5 miles each way. These days, particularly after a fine summer, the Blythe is not the danger it was but the walk, by road and footpath, is still a good one.
Last Sunday (17th August), over 100 members of Knowle Parish Church retraced the steps of their forbears and walked from Knowle to Hampton, in recognition of the 600th Anniversary celebrations. Everyone made it - over 80 years spanned the youngest and oldest - and on arrival, were entertained to a “great and generwose” tea. The two Parishes shared in a special communion celebration together in the evening. For most, unlike the hardy villagers of old, the return journey was by coach or car, though a few determined souls did walk back as well.
Though Knowle had a Church built in 1403, it remained a part of the Hampton in Arden Parish until 1859. Prior to that, people in Knowle continued to pay dues and a quarter contribution of the upkeep costs of Hampton Church. This eventually resulted in a dispute over the amount for payment in 1858 and Knowle refused to pay - court action was threatened, and eventually a payment was made, though short of the amount demanded. The actual balance owed is not known, but a “final payment” of £5 was publicly handed over at the end of the service last Sunday. The Vicar of Hampton, John de Witt, graciously accepted the payment and declared an end to the dispute! In recognition of Knowle's 600th. anniversary celebrations, he presented the Vicar of Knowle, Michael Parker, with an original bound copy of the Knowle's History.
Throughout Knowle's year long 600th Anniversary celebrations, money is being raised for World Vision. Both they and the Diocesan efforts to raise money for Malawi, benefited from donations and the collection.
Good weather, hospitality, friendship and joining together in worship all contributed to a really enjoyable day and a welcome recognition of 600 years of faith and prayer in the heart of both communities - not forgetting another 300 years of the same faith in Hampton before that.
Further Information from The Vicar - 01564 779123
Copyright Knowle Parish Church
About Knowle Parish Church
Knowle Parish Church - the Church of St John the Baptist, St Lawrence and St Anne - was completed and consecrated in 1403. It stands in the heart of the village, next to the Guildhouse, built in 1412, and the much more recent additions of St Lawrence House and St. John's Hall.
Many hundreds come to worship on a Sunday at a variety of services running through the day from 8.00am to 8.00pm - a modern family service, more traditional morning prayer, quiet reflective holy communion, an evening service mixing styles old and new and a lively youth service are regular parts of Church family life. Throughout the week, there are activities for all ages - 59 groups listed in the booklet produced for the Week of Prayer, which started the 600th Anniversary Year of Celebrations.
About World Vision
WORLD VISION is an international Christian charity which funds a wide range of projects in the most deprived areas of the world. They help both with emergency aid and in the development and support of ongoing, self sustaining community projects. More information can be obtained from www.worldvision.org.uk, by e'mailing church@worldvision.org.uk, or by telephoning 01908 841 000.
|
||||||||
| Some Pictures of the walk for press releases and some photos, describing a special walk which took place on 17th August 2003. Before Knowle Parish Church was built and consecrated in 1403, people walked to a nearly nearby village, Hampton in Arden, every Sunday - nearby in this case meaning 4 to 5 miles! We retraced the steps 17th August - though only in one direction for most people!
This is the latest in a series of events this year, as we celebrate 600 years of Faith and Prayer in the Heart of the Community.
Photographs shown here: Copyright Sydney Bryson/Knowle Parish Church
|
