A CHURCH in Launceston has celebrated 500 years since its dedication.

They also took the opportunity to rededicate the town’s clock, which was recently fully refurbished.

The custom of dedication takes place when churches in the Church of England are dedicated to one or more people. Most are dedicated to a single 'patron saint', such as Saint Peter or The Virgin Mary, or one of the persons of God, such as Holy Trinity, Christ Church, or The Good Shepherd.

Launceston In Bloom helped welcome people to the church with their Flower Festival display in the foyer of St Mary Magdalene which is celebrating 500 years
Launceston In Bloom helped welcome people to the church with their Flower Festival display in the foyer of St Mary Magdalene which is celebrating 500 years. (Picture: John Ellacott) (John Ellacott)

This weekend (June 15 and 16) members of the community and members of the church came together as St Mary Magdalene Church in the town to celebrated half a millennia since its initial dedication.

The occasion provided a variety of special events to mark  the occasion, including a Flower Festival organised by Launceston in Bloom and Launceston U3A. 

Visitors were welcomed at the porch with floral garlands and displays put together by Launceston in Bloom. Inside, there were imaginative and varied flower arrangements from more than 20 local community groups including the town’s Rotary Club, Launceston Women’s Institute, Bridge Church, the Pop Choir, the library, Inner Wheel, 1st Launceston Scout Group and Launceston u3a.   

Georgie Adams, chair of Launceston in Bloom and Launceston and District u3a, told the Post: “Our first Flower Festival has been a great success thanks to the planning team and helpers lead by Jenny Groves, and to those local community groups who so enthusiastically took part in creating individual flower arrangements to represent their organisations.  

One of the many amazing displays in Launceston In Bloom's Flower Festival
One of the many amazing displays in Launceston In Bloom's Flower Festival. (Picture: John Ellacott) (John Ellacott)

“Thanks also to Sue Tierney, church warden, and  Sean Sweeney, St Mary’s musical director for playing the organ at intervals. We were delighted to welcome so many visitors, and hope to hold another Flower Festival next year, with even more groups taking part.” 

The once in a lifetime occasion was also marked with a visit from the Bishop of St Germans, Rev Hugh Nelson, mayor Cllr Helen Bailey, consort Adrian Bailey and deputy mayor Cllr Nicola Gilbert.   

Deputy mayor Cllr Nicola Gilbert, mayor consort Adrian Bailey, Bishop of St Germans, Rev Hugh Nelson, and mayor Cllr. Helen Bailey
Deputy mayor Cllr Nicola Gilbert, mayor consort Adrian Bailey, Bishop of St Germans, Rev Hugh Nelson, and mayor Cllr. Helen Bailey (Submitted)

A special service was held on Sunday which saw Rev Nelson lead the rededication of the church’s newly refurbished clock.

Church warden, Sue Tierney explained: “We are very grateful for all the hard work that has been done to repair the clock and for the grants that helped to pay for it. The whole town benefits from the clock and it is good to see it working again.  

“Of course, the main function of the church is the worship of God and the fellowship of Christian people. We welcome everyone to our services.”   

During the three days of festivals and special events, £1,000 was raised from generous donations, refreshments and cakes which were available throughout the event.  All funds raised have been donated to St Mary Magdalene Church.