BALLOONS and a specially-iced cake helped to mark Tavistock Parish Church’s Dedication Festival on Sunday (May 20) which celebrated 700 years since the foundation stone was laid in 1318.

In party mood red hydrogen balloons lined the nave for the service and afterwards the congregation moved into the churchyard to continue the celebrations. This landmark event also celebrated The Day of Pentecost.

In his sermon St Eustachius’ Church vicar, the Very Rev Dr Chris Hardwick, said: ‘A dedication festival is about celebrating our story of trusting in God’s promises. It’s about celebrating all those who have gone before, and celebrating the day on which stones were laid in trust — and living stones gathered to worship, pray and witness to the love of God. We give thanks for the establishment of this church, which stands as a testament to the faith of past and present generations …’

Quoting from Genesis chapter 28 verse 7 (‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven’), he said Tavistock Parish Church stood as a testament to the place of God in our community. ‘Through it and by it we proclaim our story with God, and where we are in that story.’

The service was central to a weekend of celebrations, which included a recital by award-winning organist Richard Lester on Friday, a 700th anniversary concert performed by the church choir and guests, on Saturday night, and a Festival Evensong on Sunday.

On Monday evening, to mark the Day of Consecration, the church bell ringers rang a Quarter Peal on St Eustachius’ ten bells. An illustrated talk by the Rev Dr Steven Martin, exploring what happened on the day of consecration followed.