Uneven and hard
The path to our church
Difficult to navigate
Tricky when wet
But have you considered the value it holds?
For these stones hold the truths of the stories of old.
The path to the church built on the rock
Over those years countless people have trod
Rich and poor
Young and old
Skilled labourers and farmers
Even those seeking gold!
From quarrymen to service
Even scientists were told
All drawn from the land
And now part of God’s plan.
This is our church
800 years old
Held in these walls a story enfolds
Pilgrims through centuries drawn through the ages
We come together to write the new pages
Held in faith by God above
Let’s celebrate His faithfulness and infinite love.
Traditions may have changed
The church started small
Yet grew through the ages to accommodate all
Through monarchs and battles
Peacetime and strife
It has stood as a focus of our village life
Bringing people together as we gather today
Together in faith to love and to pray.
This is our church
800 years young
Held in these walls your story begun
Pilgrims through centuries drawn through the ages
We’ll come together to write the new pages
Held in faith by God above
Let’s celebrate His goodness and infinite love.
It was a real privilege to have been asked to read this at the centenary service and again at the concert of the Exeter Philharmonic Choir, Pilgrims’ Chorus .
And my picture made into cards and tea towels ! A crazy month – Diptford Village open Gardens , the Bishop of Exeter’s Visit and concert .
Ruth Partridge 