Opportunity to play key historic churches’ role

The Diocese of East Anglia is currently looking for a volunteer to play a key role in caring for the historic churches in its care across East Anglia.

The Diocese of East Anglia boasts some of the finest Catholic churches in England. These range from the grade one listed Slipper Chapel near Walsingham, which dates back to the middle of the fourteenth century, to the grade one listed Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich, which was finally opened for worship in 1910 after a turbulent construction process that lasted decades. The Cathedral is a distinctive landmark on the Norwich skyline, often known by locals as Norwich’s ‘other cathedral’.

The diocese is also responsible for the only church in the country entirely designed by the controversial twentieth century artist and sculptor Eric Gill. St Peter’s church in Gorleston is built entirely of brick, and is considered a nationally significant example of Gill’s work.

Following the recent ‘Taking Stock’ project carried out by Historic England, all the Catholic churches in the diocese have been re-assessed, resulting in a number of previously un-listed churches now being granted protected status.

These include the church of Our Lady of the Annunciation in Kings Lynn. Built of the distinctive local Carrstone, the church is in the Gothic revival style, and was completed in 1896. The church is also home to a replica of the Holy House of Loreto, and until the reopening of the Slipper Chapel at Walsingham in the 1930s, was the main focus for Marian devotion in England. The church also enjoyed royal patronage, and it is recorded that the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) contributed fifty guineas towards the construction coasts.

The care of these churches is undertaken by the Historic Churches Committee of the diocese, which is made up of a mixture of religious and lay members, including many experts in historic buildings and architecture.

The diocese is currently seeking a new Secretary to the Historic Churches Committee. The Secretary is at the forefront of ensuring that the Historic Churches Committee processes its business in a professional and timely manner, and ensures the preservation of our historic churches for present and future generations.

The role is a voluntary one, and involves a commitment of approximately 20 days a year. If you are interested in learning more about the role in the first instance please contact the Chair of the Historic Churches Committee, Moira Goldstaub – moiragoldstaub@goldstaub.co.uk

The job description and more details can be found here.

Comments