St Mary's Church
Rev. Percival writes:
As we had hoped, we are going to return to something like our normal rota of services throughout the benefice.
Each church will have (with some minor differences), one celebration of the Holy Eucharist and one Matins conducted by an elder. As far as the Eucharist is concerned, no one should feel that they must communicate if they are at all nervous or concerned. If you have a copy of the 'Holy Eucharist' booklet, please bring it with you. However, there will be additional copies available. There has been an encouraging amount of swapping over between churches during the lockdowns and after and I think it is important that we have one rite throughout the benefice.
Communion will be offered only in one kind and I imagine that this will be in place for some considerable time. Communicants will not kneel at the altar rail but form a socially-distanced queue. I shall say the words of communion once, put on my face mask and distribute the hosts in silence.
For dates and times of services in Dennington, please see Events list.
The Church is open for private prayer during the week. Check the Events column on the website's main page for changes to services.
The Reverend Martin Percival is the Priest in Charge of the Upper Alde Benefice. If you would like to contact him, please phone 07789417050. You can also e-mail: revmepercival@gmail.com
Alternatively, you can contact your Dennington churchwardens: Veronica Maberly: 01728 638627 or Robert Rous: 01728 638712, email: robert@denningtonhall.co.uk
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Church History
The Church has many interesting features including the famous SCAIPOD and the tomb of LORD and LADY BARDOLPH. It has been mentioned in many publications. Examples of the features can be found here:
Find a brief history of the Church here, written by James Wardley
The Bells of St. Mary's
The bells of St Mary's can often be heard ringing out over the countryside. There are regular bell practices to help hone the skills of the bell ringers.
Dennington is fortunate to have a magnificent ring of 6 bells. The oldest of the bells date back to the early 15th century. It is known that the Church has had a ring of bells since 1553 and they were last re-hung in 1915.
In 2008 an appeal was launched to restore the bells to their former glory and the organisers were pleased to announce that by 2009, the sum of £75000 had been raised.
Early 2010 saw the welcome return of the bells and a rededication service was led by Bishop Nigel Stock. The Church was filled with parishioners, friends and family from near and far to celebrate the successful venture. It is hoped that the bells will be enjoyed by all for years to come.
Restoration of the Clock Face
In conjunction with the bell restoration it was decided to refurbish the Clock on the North wall of Dennington Church Tower. It has been restored to the original blue and gold and looks wonderful.
The PCC would like to thank everybody who has contributed to this project.
