SAINT DAVID'S - LATEST NEWS
Following completion of the major re-ordering and restoration work to St David's Church, the next phase in the project is underway to improve the lighting inside the building. A report was recently commissioned from CES Lighting who are based in Surrey and who specialise in architectural lighting schemes for churches. This report has formed the basis of a detailed specification which is now at the stage of competitive tenders.
The benefice has also been very fortunate to have secured a maximum grant from WREN (The Waste Recycling Environmental body) who make grants for projects located within the proximity of a landfill site. As the Church is within 10 miles of the Pwllfawatkin Site in Pontardawe, it was able to demonstrate that, by its increased community use, it merited consideration for such a grant. Paul Bennett, the Benefice Peoples' Warden said:-
"The award of a WREN grant will enable St David's to build on and enhance its community focus in the town. The lighting will not only be state of the art, but energy efficient which is an important consideration from both the cost aspect and the Benefice's Carbon Footprint. It will allow for both greater flexibility in worship and for concerts and other secular activities which are now such a vital part of the Church's function"
Subject to final Diocesan approval to the scheme, the work is expected to start in the late Spring.
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A SHORT HISTORY AND GUIDE TO THE
CHURCH
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Built in the "Victorian Gothic" or "Pointed" style, in 1866, Saint David’s Church stands as a focal point for the centre of the town of Neath.
Designed by John Norton, it is a fine example of blue and red brick decoration reminiscent of the style found in Keble College, Oxford, and which was prevalent during the late 19th Century.
The South Porch Entrance
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On entering St. David’s, one is immediately impressed by the cathedral -like dimensions of this building, built in the Victorian Gothic or “First Pointed” style, in 1866 by the architect, John Norton. It is a fine example of blue and red brick decoration prevalent at the time.
Entering through the South Porch (1), and the oak screen and doors, you will pass the font on your left and the Gift Shop (2). Standing below the glorious Great West Window (3), and looking Eastwards, you begin to appreciate the fine timberwork of the Nave roof. The window was given in memory of R.H.Morgan in 1912 and depicts amongst others, St.David and St. Deiniol.
Turning eastwards towards the High Altar, one will see a number of smaller stained glass windows among which are those dedicated to former worshippers of the Church. Particular examples are those given in memory of Graham Lawrence (4) and Arthur Salter (5).
The Lawrence Window |
The Salter Window |
On the wall of the recently completed choir vestry extension (6), you will see an oil painting “The Three Magi” again painted by Will Roberts.
The marble embellished pulpit can now be seen as you approach the Chancel with its richly decorated stone walls and tiled floor. Originally, the Church was gas-lit and the remains of the gas mantle holders are now hidden by two wooden caps on the pillars on either side of the steps.
Immediately to each side of the Chancel can be seen the choir stalls, while behind on the walls are mounted the Decalogue Tablets (7).
The Sanctuary, separated by brass rails, contains a number of memorial tablets, including one to a former Rector of the Parish. (8). The two fine hand carved Priest Desks are each decorated with a pair of angels. The magnificent brass eagle lectern is now a permanent feature following the 2006-7 reordering of the Nave worship area. The Candle-lit Aumbry to the left of the High Altar was given in memory of a former worshipper.
To the right of the Chancel, you will see the pipe organ built by E.H.I. Salter (9). Arthur Salter, his son, was organist and Choirmaster of the Church for over 50 years.
The Main (Choir) Organ Case of the Salter
Organ.
On returning to the Nave, and in front of
the West facing organ case, you will see the Lady Chapel (10), which was provided by generous bequest in 1925, now a place of quiet prayer. The
coloured Reredos was added in 1958 and depicts the four Gospel writers together
with St. David and St. Illtud.
The Lady Chapel Reredos
The large South Window (11) above the Lady Chapel
was donated in memory of Mr T.E.C.Molland a long serving chorister in the
Church and a prominent figure in the civic life of the town.
As you move back towards the South Porch, please take time to look at the other stained glass windows in the South Aisle. (12)
The Interior looking East towards the
Altar.
If you would like further information on the
Church, a guide is available for purchase in the Gift Shop.
The Church seen from Victoria
Gardens
Restoration & Re-ordering Work
The Appeal to restore and re-order the Church was launched in 2003 and thanks to Heritage Lottery Fund, CADW and Local Authority Grants, work started in January 2006 on the external cleaning of the building starting with the South Porch. This work involved the overhaul and replacement of various roofs and gutters that were in need of repair. Much of the decaying stone work was to replaced and renewed. The carving of St David over the South Porch has been cleaned.
Thanks to a generous bequest and the work of the “Friends of St David’s”, further work to the interior of the building has now been completed with a re-ordering of the Nave with more flexible use for both worship and community use. New toilet facilities and a kitchen are now part of the scheme with a purpose built vestry/meeting room which is independently heated. The building allows for full disabled access for public use, including ramped access, hearing induction loop and disabled toilet facilities. The reordered church was rededicated by the Archbishop of Wales Dr Barry Morgan on Advent Sunday 2007.
The building is used for concerts and public events as well as regular worship.
The building can be hired and details can be obtained from the Rectory.
Services
Sundays:
8.30 am Said Eucharist
11.00 am Sung Eucharist & Sunday School
6.00 pm Sung Evensong
Weekdays:
Wednesday: 10.00am Holy Eucharist
Friday: 10.00am Holy Eucharist
Saturday 10.00am Holy Eucharist
The church is open for private prayer / meditation:
Friday 10.30 -12 noon.
Saturday 10.30 -12.30pm.
Gift Shop
Giftshop is open 10.30am to 12 noon on Fridays
and on Saturdays from 10.30 -12.30pm)
ORGANISATIONS
The Church has a number of Societies and associated groups, brief details of which are as follows:-
CHURCH CHOIR:
Main Practice – (Thursday) - 7.00pm-8.30pm
Sunday Practice: 7.00pm-7.30pm
New members are always welcome.
PEOPLE:
Sub Wardens:
Rector's Sub Warden: Roger Jones
People's Sub Warden: Helen Bennett
PCC Members:
Denise Jones, Mark Ritzmann
Organist & Choirmaster:- Mr M. Ritzmann
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