READING about the plight of Princetown Church (Times, May 18) I recall that it was a wonderful place.
I have seen the church full — I know because I sang in the choir for six years. I am going back over 50 years.
We had a lot of Americans based there and there was a black regiment at the old Foggintor School. Their choir came to the church and sang and it was wonderful.
One week we had a Franciscan Friar who preached at church and he had everybody spellbound.
There was a big wedding at our church — top and tails — and it was full. No local could get in. I was lucky as I was in the choir.
We had many big days in the church, July 4, November 11 and, as far as I know, there was an American who got married in this church. He was a soldier and he married a local girl. People thought it would never last, but they are still together, living in Virginia, USA, 50 years on!
There was also a very sad day when my mother was buried at the church. They carried her coffin all the way from our house and when we got to the church it was over half full.
Members of Princetown Railway staff took her to the church. She was buried there and in those days the prisoners from the prison kept the graves tidy.
I hope they can save the church, it has a wonderful organ, Miss Weeks played there for years.
Mrs J Smith
Phoenix Close
Horrabridge