...marking the patronal name of the Church of the Precious Blood. A sung Mass with Mgr Keith Newton presiding, and we finished with one of my favourite hymns "And can it be/That I should gain/An interest in the Saviour's blood?"
As Mass ended, the two churchwardens came forward to address us all, They announced plans for the full repair and redecoration of the church for the 125th anniversary in 2017. There is quite a lot that needs to be done: new underfloor heating was laid two years ago and the floor now needs to be finished with proper tiling, bleak flourescent lighting needs to be replaced with something better, and the peeling paint on the walls tackled. The sanctuary carpet has to go and a new floor laid...
Funds are being sought, and this will be a project well worthy of support, the full restoration of a fine church in an historic corrner of London...
After Mass,a big parish barbeque - for this, we used the courtyard of the Anglican diocesan offices next to the church, by the kindness of the Cof E authorities. This is a Victorian building that used to be a school, and includes a large covered archway area, ideal for a big social gathering. A massive noise of talk and the servng of food, and children running about, and everyone having a good time...and it was a good vantage-point from which to see the fine architectural merits of Pr.Bl Church and its adjoining Rectory, both Grade 2 Listed buildings, with pleasing windows and brickwork. As the afternoon drew on, some of us sat talking with glasses of wine, reluctant to hurry home...stories of parish life over the years were told, great events remembered...
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