A FULL congregation, church leaders and civic dignitaries packed into the United Reformed Church in Tavistock last Sunday, as a service of thanksgiving was given to celebrate the rededication of the refurbished buildings.
The church closed on June 3 and since then, work has been carried out on the ceiling, roof, walls and floors, plus an extensive programme of carpeting and redecoration.
Attending the rededication event were the mayor and mayoress of West Devon, Cllr Peter Hill and his wife Gay and the mayor of Tavistock, Cllr Norma Woodcock with her husband Gerry.
The Moderator of the URC South Western Synod, the Rev David Miller and Tavistock minister the Rev Roger Cornish presided over the service, which was accompanied by organist Martin Wightman.
Using pictures of the church, members of the congregation gave a lively presentation on 'How to refurbish your church in five minutes'. In his sermon, Mr Miller said once a disabled ramp had been built, the church would be entirely ready to serve God and the community in Tavistock.
Coming events at the church in Russell Street include a Sankey evening at 7.30pm on September 26, featuring Terry Coneybeare and Harold Rogers with the 'Hymns of Fanny Crosby'.
On Goose Fair day, October 8, the church will be serving refreshments for fair visitors. A bric-a-brac stall will also be held — donations in good condition would be greatly appreciated. For information, call Roger Cornish on 01822 614613.