St.Paul's

St. Paul's Church, Parkend

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Jesus says: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15.5

A Brief History

Henry Poole was a curate at Newland and he issued an appeal for public aid towards the erection of a church and school-house in Parkend.

The appeal was successful and from these voluntary funds St. Paul’s was built. It was built on a piece of ground called Mason’s Tump by Richard James in 1820-22 under the supervision of Henry Poole who, before his ordination, had experience in architecture in Bristol.

The consecration of the church took place on May 2nd, 1822

The Reredos, including a painting of Christ mocked, flanked by the Commandments in a Gothic setting, is a very fine example and is thought to be an original fitting of 1822. It matches in detail other features of the church and retains the medieval form of a screen pierced by doors on either side of the Altar. It is clearly a work of interest and value.

Replacement pinnacles were made in 1958 by Mr E.J. Rice, Principal of Lydney School of Art.
The painting is thought to be of Spanish origin.

The High Altar is of English oak and was given in memory of Thomas and Janet Dufty 1865-1948 by their children

It is thought that the pulpit may once have stood in a central position. This conjecture is based on the fact that it is a Wesleyan tradition to focus the attention of the worshipper on the preacher. Therefore a central platform or pulpit was favoured. Since Henry Poole was influenced by Wesley, we conclude that this was the reason for the original siting of the pulpit.

Subsequently the pulpit was moved twice, first to the south-east (near where the organ console now stands) and then to its present position to the west between the choir stalls and the St. Mary (Mothers’ Union) Chapel..

Rev. Henry Poole became the first Vicar of Parkend and remained so until his death on 22nd December 1857

He lies buried in the churchyard just outside the vestry window, behind the altar of the church he loved and served so well

At the entrance to the old lower churchyard the gate was erected in 1937 by Mr and Mrs Deakin, in memory of their parents. The Deakin family, who lived in Parkend House, were mine owners and their son, Robert, later became Suffragan Bishop of Tewkesbury.
This is, of necessity, only a very small part of the history of this lovely little church. If you would like to know more, please click here to email the Vicar, Rev. Philippa Brunt, or purchase the Booklet : click here. for details

Restoration of the Swell Organ at St Paul's, Parkend Appeal

The organ at St Paul's is in need of restoration. The first stage of this has been completed using money from the Organ Fund, but the next two stages will require £6,500 each and money needs to be raised for this.

We are now looking to raise the money for the 2nd stage which is the restoration of the swell organ.

The PCC is grateful to Maurice Bent for co-ordinating the appeal for us.

The appeal has been given a wonderful start with a generous grant of £750 from the Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust. This Trust seeks to help all churches and chapels in Gloucestershire. We have benefited from grants in the past, most recently towards the new heating systems in both churches. The PCC give a donation each year to help other churches benefit as we have. We have also taken part in the past in the annual September Walk & Stride event to raise money for the Trust and our churches and hope to do so again in the future.

Any donations can be given to Maurice or to Jeremy Brunt, the Assistant Treasurer. Please make sure your donation is clearly marked for the 'St Paul's Organ Appeal'. Cheques should be made payable to Parkend PCC.

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