THE FORMER vicar of Shakespeare’s Church recently returned to his old stomping ground to witness a remarkable restoration.
Martin Gorick, the Archdeacon of Oxford and former Vicar of Stratford, visited Holy Trinity Church for the AGM of the Friends of Shakespeare’s Church, of which he was founder president 14 years ago.
In that time, the Friends have raised £1.1million towards the restoration of the 800 year-old church where Shakespeare was baptised and is buried.
After preaching at a packed Service of Choral Evensong, the Archdeacon was able to view the latest fundraising venture by the Friends – the transformation of the 13th century St Peter’s Chapel, one of the oldest parts of the church.
The chapel previously housed the clergy vestry and moving this into the new South Side extension has exposed the stained glass American Window depicting Christopher Columbus, Quaker William Penn and Amerigo Vespucci.
The restored chapel – which also features new chandelier, pews, lectern and lighting – is now used for daily morning and evening prayer, healing ministry and smaller services and weddings.
