Gazing upon St Michael-at-Bowes, can you sense the echoes of its past? St Michael-at-Bowes stands as a testament to resilience. It’s a blend of old and new. The current church, consecrated in 1988, replaced its predecessor which succumbed to the ravages of time. The original St Michael-at-Bowes, a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture by Sir Gilbert Scott, graced this very spot for over a century. It was funded by Alderman Thomas Sidney, a former Lord Mayor of London, and a prominent figure in the area’s history. The foundation stone was laid in 1872, marking the beginning of its story. Sadly, by 1986, damp, cold, and dry rot forced its closure and eventual demolition. But from the ruins rose a new St Michael-at-Bowes. This modern structure incorporates salvaged treasures from its predecessor. The original foundation stone was reused. The old bell still rings. The alabaster altarpiece was meticulously restored. Even the marble reredos found new life, transformed into the altar, lectern, font, and credence table. New additions further enrich the church. A cross, designed and painted by Francis Stephens, hangs behind the altar. Statues of St. Michael and the Blessed Virgin Mary, crafted by Sigfried Pietsch, stand as symbols of faith. Today, St Michael-at-Bowes continues to serve the community. It holds Sunday services with Eucharist at 11 a.m., lasting an hour and fifteen minutes. It stands not just as a place of worship, but as a living link to the past, a symbol of continuity amidst change. It’s a reminder that even in the face of decay and demolition, faith and community can endure.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to