Friends of St. Peter' Church Bexhill
Days were when the cost of upkeep of the local parish church was more easily met. In Victorian times extensive restoration work was carried out on the church as it is shown in this engraving. This was an age of faith when there was a strong tradition of benefaction and legacy as witnessed by various windows in the church.
At that time the church was not only rich in its spiritual life but also financially. Now however, as older members die and fewer young people join the church, it is proving increasingly difficult for the present worshipping congregation to maintain the structure of this ancient building as well as pay for the Church’s primary function of worship and witness. Contrary to received wisdom, there is no vast central ‘pot’ on which Saint Peter’s can draw to maintain the building and pay for the staffing and functioning of the church.
Saint Peter’s people are very generous with both their money and their time and are dedicated to maintaining the church and keeping it open for visitors. They want to see its continued use as the House of God, a spiritual sanctuary and a meeting place for committed Christian people as well as a centre of musical excellence . But without extra help to restore and maintain the building, Bexhill’s ancient parish church faces an uncertain future.
Saint Peter’s has benefited the lives of many who would not call themselves committed churchgoers, and the ‘Friends’ gives such people the opportunity to be associated with the care of this much-cherished building, the town’s primary ancient heritage site.
Being a Friend of Saint Peter’s will help to ensure that an important part of the heritage of Bexhill can survive.
Who are the Friends of Saint Peter’s ?
We are an association of people from Bexhill and beyond who value the heritage of the town’s ancient parish church and wish to help maintain and preserve this beautiful historic building.
Patrons: The Earl De La Warr
The Bishop of Chichester
Friends of Saint Peter’s include local businesses and business men and women, members of Bexhill community and of St.Peter’s congregation as well as visitors and others who have affection for the church.
What do the Friends do?
The Friends of Saint Peter’s were commissioned to raise money for the preservation of this ancient and beautiful parish church.
We do this by contributing on a regular basis to the Friends Fund which is used exclusively for the maintenance and repair of the church building. In some cases, Friends continue the tradition of legacy by including bequests in their wills.
What Saint Peter’s Costs.
The sum required to bring the church up to a satisfactory state of repair is a £150 000 . The ongoing maintenance costs represent another £30 000 per annum. This does not, of course, include running costs which are borne by the worshipping congregation.
The benefits of being a Friend.
As a Friend of Saint Peter’s you become part of a tradition which stretches back to 772 AD and the Bexhill Charter bestowed by King Offa. When you visit the church, attend services or concerts, you will know that you belong as a friend and that your interest is helping to ensure that future generations can enjoy this priceless part of our town‘s heritage. You will receive a regular Newsletter and Calendar of church, social and cultural events, as well as an Invitation to an annual Friends of Saint Peter’s Social Gathering.
Why does
Saint Peter’sneed Friends?
Saint Peter’s must find all the money needed to pay for the church building preservation and maintenance.
Increased costs and diminishing income mean we can no longer adequately do this as well as fund the primary function of worship and witness.
The Friends have been commissioned to raise funds solely for building restoration and maintenance.
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