Reordering

"Reordering" is an eccleastical term which covers any change made to the interoir of a church, which can include the removal or moving of church furnishings - pews, organ, pulpit etc.

It has long been acknowledged that the internal layout of St Peters is far from ideal for the variety of worship in the 21st century. Although the furnishings are relatively modern, installed in the mid nineteenth century, the church has lacked the open spaces found in most churches. Rather oddly the Victorians did not even provide any space at the chancel step where marriages are normally performed. This has resulted in the best man and bride's father having to stand behind the bride and groom, instead of alongside. Bridesmaids have had to stand, in pairs, down the aisle. This is just one example how the 19th century desire to fill the church with as many pews as possible has impacted on its use.

There has also also been a lack of space in the Chancel, which becomes very evident at funerals. There is only just enough room for a coffin, making it almost impossible for the family to gather around their loved one.

In the past the lack of open space was not considered as important as it does today. All services were conducted by the rector at the front, with the congregation sat in the pews throughout the service, resembling an audience. Communion was only celebrated a few times each year, meaning that there was very little movement during the service.

Today things are very different, with a much wider variety in the types of worship. Even the most formal of these, Holy Communion, involves members of the congregation taking an active part in the service.

Very few Churches have a choir these days, meaning that there is often a large void between the congregation and the minister whilst counducting Holy Communion.

To overcome these problems the choir fronts and front choir pews will be removed, together with the wooden platform on which they stand. The rear choir pews will be retained. The floor will be relaid in stone, level with the existing stone floor. One of the choir pews will be relocated against the east wall of the north aisle, in the Prayer Area.

The Communion Rail will become movable, meaning that it will be used in its original position, or at the chancel step as shown in the above artist's impression. This will enable the Communion Table to be moved forward, nearer the congregation. With the choir stalls removed it will be able to hold services with smaller congregations in the chancel. Short sections of the present screen will be retained.

The pulpit will be restored, with the steps remodelled. The present reading desk will become free standing and used as a lectern.

To gain access to the Communion Rail, when in its new position, the front pew in the nave and north aisle will be removed. The second pew will be replaced by one of the choir fronts, so retaining one of the better pieces of furniture in the church.

At the west end of the church the present the ringing chamber in the tower is used for just that - ringing the bells. It is proposed that this room will be used for the Sunday Club to meet. The present wooden screen will be replaced with glass, allowing light from the west window to once again brighten the west end of the church. The gallery will be brought forward to provide storage space underneath. This will be used to store chairs and other items which currently clutter the church. A glass front to the gallery will enable it to be used for seating at larger services, such as at Christmas. Some pews will have to be removed to extend the gallery and to gain access to the storage area and stairs to the tower room. This will also provide a crossing to the west end of the north aisle and the new extension.

Progress

5 January 2012 Choir pews removed

6 January 2012 Seats at west end removed

21 January 2012 Sub floors laid

28 January 2012 New platform at west end

4 February 2012 Walls receive 2nd coat of paint

9 February 2012 ..... First of the new flooring slabs laid

11 February 2012 ..... Work continues at the west end and ringing chamber

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