St David’s Church

Oakenholt

Statement made by the Rector, 

The Reverend Brian Harvey

“You will, I’m sure, all have heard by now that, at its meeting on Thursday, the PCC took the decision to close the buildings here at St David’s.

It was not an easy decision to make. Indeed it was painful and it was upsetting for everyone.

Over the course of the last eight months we have held regular meetings here at St David’s to try to discern what the future might hold. The first of those meetings, incidentally, took place on the evening of St David’s Day.

At the first joint meeting between the Congregation and the PCC it was agreed that six months was needed to see what could be achieved.

Over that time people have worked hard to raise the money to pay, in full, this year’s portion of the overall parish share.

It has been achieved – for the first time in several years.

On behalf of the PCC I thank everyone for the contribution they have made.

But, you will know that there is a bigger picture which has had to be considered.

These buildings would need a large amount of money spending on them.  

Alongside that, the PCC has had to consider whether – for the future – we can sustain the number of Anglican churches that we currently have.

Difficult decisions like ours are being faced by parishes across the land – and indeed by churches and chapels from all denominations. 

I firmly believe that the PCC has taken a brave and courageous decision which will help to make this parish fit for the future.

I applaud all of you for the efforts that you made and for the commitment you gave to the process that we have gone through.  As one of your representatives on the PCC said at Thursday’s meeting, “the Congregation at St David’s can hold its head up high”.

So, what of the future?

Well, in purely practical terms I have notified the Bishop of the PCC’s decision.

The next stage will be when he makes an “Order for Closure”. The PCC felt that a fitting time for the last act of worship here would be the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

In the meantime – and indeed beyond that final service -  there are many questions to consider. The PCC started to think about some of them on Thursday evening.  

It was decided to set up a sub-group to take things forward. Both of the wardens here are on that group, along with two other PCC members and myself. 

The group has a job of work to do and it must be done sensitively and with understanding and also in a spirit of excitement and creativity for the future and for all the challenges that lie ahead.  

I ask you to hold it and its work in your prayers.

I know that over the last few months it has been a difficult time.

There is hurt, anger and disappointment. There will be grieving as well across the whole parish. I understand and recognise all of that.

But, you know, I believe that the parish will grow closer together on its journey of faith, if we open ourselves up to the new possibilities that now lie before us.

I hope and pray that we will find new and exciting ways to be the people of God. 

I firmly believe that we can.”