MAJOR ROOF REPAIRS TO ST MARGARET’S CHURCH, NORTHAM 2018-2026Grade 1 Listed St Margaret’s Church Northam, which dates from approximately 1250, has finally seen the completion of repairs and re-slating of the complete church roof. The church was placed on the At-Risk Register by English Heritage in 2014 because of substantial problems with the fabric of the roofs, leadwork, masonry and internal plastered ceilings, with the likelihood of further deterioration and damage to the interior heritage if repairs were not carried out.Raising the considerable sum required for this work took some time, and it was decided to carry out the repairs in two phases, starting with the main roofs, followed by the East roofs as a second phase. Funding for Phase 1 was achieved thanks considerably to the National Lottery (Heritage Fund) generously providing a large grant enabling the work to start in 2018 and was completed in 2020 in spite of problems in obtaining appropriate slates and coping with Covid. Fundraising for Phase 2 was once again considerably helped with the National Lottery (Heritage Fund) stepping in with a second large grant. The completion of the overall project should ensure that the church remains weather proof and warm for the next few generations of worshippers and visitors to enjoy.A photographic record was made of the whole project by a member of the congregation, Frank Branch, consisting of some 900 photos for Phase 1 and approximately 200 photos for Phase 2. A copy of this record was recently presented to Kate Harrison, Chair of the Bideford and District Archive by Catherine Ellis, Churchwarden and Anne Irwin, Roof Project Leader (see picture). Catherine Ellis said, “We hope that this record of major work to an important building and community asset in Northam will ensure not only its safekeeping but also make it available to interested parties in the future.”
Reflection from Kevin BowmanRevelation 5 Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He can open the scroll and its seven seals.” 6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the centre of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” 11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!” 13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power, for ever and ever!” 14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell and worshipped. (NIV) Reflection Revelation 5 continues Revelation 4, in setting a heavenly scene, and shows the slain lamb taking the sealed scroll of God and receiving honour and praise. The scroll contains God’s plan for judgement and redemption which Jesus will execute. Ordinary mortals are too weak to break the seal. What John is revealing is that the saviour of mankind is not a roaring lion but a slain lamb; conquering not by military prowess but by sacrifice. It stresses that Jesus’ worthiness is shown through his sacrificial death. The scene shows Jesus’ divinity because He is worshipped alongside God the Father. For us, it shows us we must not hide our weaknesses, and we should be prepared to make sacrifices to gain the victory of God’s redemption. A fitting reading to follow Remembrance Sunday.Let us pray:Additional Collect God, our refuge and strength, bring near the day when wars shall cease and poverty and pain shall end, that earth may know the peace of heaven through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England (2000) (including the Psalter as published with Common Worship), material from which is included here, is copyright ©The Archbishops' Council 2000
St Margaret’s Church, NorthamJoin us for an exciting live auction featuring a wide variety of items. Date: Saturday, October 17th Time: Viewing from 10:00 AM, Auction starts at 6:00 PM Free Entry Refreshments and Raffle Registration is simple! Arrive early to register and receive your bidding paddle OR Complete a pre-bid form available on the auction website or from Church Office For more information, please visit our website at www.stmargaretsevents.co.uk
