All Saints refurbishment: A church in the community for the community

More than 20 years after ideas were initially proposed to upgrade facilities at an iconic 14th church in our area, delighted parishioners have finally seen their plans realised.

Willian's All Saints Church has had a new kitchen and toilet facilities installed in the church in beautiful village, situated between Hitchin and Letchworth.

The stunning All Saints Church in the wonderful village of Willian situated between Hitchin and Letchworth. CREDIT: Nub News

Much of the time taken has been with design detail, application for faculties, institutional approval required from local authorities and Historic England, and of course fundraising for the cost of nearly £400,000, which included much-needed cash required from the village's annual fair

Highly-respected church spokesperson Royston Jones told Nub News: "We have finally seen our dream come to fruition.

"The completed refurbishment work has been met with great praise by all who have visited the building.

"The new facilities and furnishings offer much wider opportunities for use by the church and the community, offering a bright warm welcome to all who visit."

All at the church deserve huge credit for their tireless work in helping to revamp their place of worship - despite a few hiccups and delays encountered along the way, such as the change in architects and the disposal of the organ. 

As Nub News previously reported, the church's 1864 Walker organ was deemed to be 'an instrument of significance' by St Albans' Diocesan Advisory Committee, and was not allowed to be removed until it had been found a new home where it would be re-used.

This took more than three years of searching as there is no demand for these types of organs in churches and schools.

Mr Jones explained: "Thankfully we were able to find it a new home in Preston, Lancashire, where a lady who teaches organists has put it to good use."

So, amid high excitement, work began - with the loyal congregation decamping to St Mary's Church in Letchworth for the 11am services for more than a year - while the project was completed.

The rip-out work revealed a number of interesting issues, which no one was aware of, especially the deep floor pits, which were part of the old heating system.

Two mugs full of coins were also discovered, along with a stone finial from the corner of the old altar. [A finial is pleasing architectural embellishment traditionally placed on gate posts]

Mr Jones added: "We are grateful to the Benefacts Trust, The Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust and Letchworth Heritage Foundation for their financial support.

"We final moved back into All Saints in time to celebrate Remembrance Sunday, when The Revd Canon Charles Hudson, Arch Deacon of St Albans took the service."

For more information on this wonderful church search All Saints Church Willian on Facebook.

Use the arrows at the top of this story to view our gallery to see how the refurbishment work haas progressed.