Residents of Binbrook were met with an unexpected and somber sight this Easter, as the large stone cross atop the Church of St Mary and St Gabriel fell from its roof. This incident, reported by BBC Lincolnshire, occurred during a windy evening, leaving church officials and the community in a state of shock. Philip Wallis, the church treasurer, described the cross, which stood at 5 feet tall, as having "tumbled" down and being "somewhat vaporised."
The church, a beautiful Victorian structure built in 1869 and designed by the renowned architect James Fowler, is a cherished landmark in the area. Wallis expressed his sadness over the loss, particularly as it coincided with the time of year when the church commemorates the crucifixion. "It was somewhat weird," he remarked, reflecting on the unfortunate timing of the incident.
The fallen cross not only damaged part of the church's roof but also struck a granite memorial, adding to the church’s troubles. Despite this setback, Wallis remains optimistic. He mentioned that discussions with the church's insurer are ongoing and that there is hope for an identical replacement. He stated, "We'll get another one made-up. So there is hope," indicating that original plans from when the church was built could be utilized to recreate the cross.
The community has rallied around the church, with many expressing their disappointment at the loss of such an important symbol. Wallis noted that residents are aware of the effort the church committee invests in maintaining the building and its grounds. "This is just a bit of a whammy that we weren't expecting," he shared, acknowledging the emotional impact this event has had on the local community.
As plans for the replacement cross move forward, the church remains a focal point for residents, who take pride in their local heritage. The Church of St Mary and St Gabriel, classified as a grade II-listed building, stands as a testament to the architectural history of the area and continues to be a place of worship and community gathering.
As the church works to restore its iconic symbol, it serves as a reminder of the resilience of community spirit in the face of unexpected challenges. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and memories of the church and its significance to Binbrook.
What are your memories or thoughts about the Church of St Mary and St Gabriel and its role in our community?