Yesterday (Sunday 13th October), the community of East Horsley and congregants of St Martin’s Church, gathered for a dedication ceremony to bless new stained-glass windows which serve as memorial to those who lost their lives during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The dedication was led by The Right Reverend Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford and was a heartfelt celebration of faith, worship and artistry- placing a spiritual significance on the new church windows.
The virus which killed approximately 227,000 people in the UK alone, ripped through so many communities including East Horsley, with St Martin’s Church losing much loved members of their congregation.
Rev Renos Pittarides had an idea for a memorial after he was particularly struck by leading a funeral for someone who had died alone, with their loved ones prevented from attending during the height of the pandemic. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) then decided that the windows in the North Transept should be replaced with stained glass windows which will stand as a lasting memorial. The local community raised £80,000 in under 10 weeks to have them constructed.
The new stained-glass windows which are made from 27 panes of glass were created by renowned artist Derek Hunt (Limelight Studios) and are a stunning addition to the church's historic building, adding both beauty and meaning to the sacred space.
The designer, Derek Hunt said: “Using the symbol of the English Oak Tree, I have developed a design which speaks of steadfastness in the face of adversity, of regeneration, recovery and of growth and renewal through the Christian virtues of Faith, Hope and Love.”
The team at the church are keen for the whole community to come and see the windows and feel free to visit the church if they would like a quiet moment of contemplation and reflection to remember those who were lost in the pandemic.
Reverend Renos Pittarides, the Rector of St Martin’s Church was delighted by the response to the windows both from the church community and the wider villages. He said: “We hope that the windows will serve to remind us of the loss of life in our community, the sacrifices made by so many people in our country, the outpouring of friendship and care which speaks of hope for the future. The hope, we as Christians find in Jesus Christ.”
During the dedication service oak trees were presented by the church to both East and West Horsley Parish Councils. The English Oak Tree is a central symbol of the new windows, and St Martin’s wanted to donate the trees as a gift that represents the church’s hopes as it plays its part in the life of the local community.
At the service, an intergenerational choir sang ‘Why We Sing’, a reminder that many people missed singing together in church during the early part of the pandemic.
The Right Reverend Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford who led the dedication said: “The East Horsley community grieved the loss of loved ones over the pandemic, as did the church at its centre; and the window project really captured the imagination of both church and the village. I pray that these windows might bring blessing, hope and encouragement to our COVID-19 generation, and many generations to come.”