Lawford church's controversial new seats get the thumbs-up

Plans to strip out the wooden pews from Lawford’s St Mary the Virgin Church, to make way for modern seating, sparked opposition from some churchgoers.

Some feared such a break with tradition would ruin the 700-year-old building.

But the rector, Canon Pat Prestney, says many sceptics changed their minds once they’d seen the new-look nave for the first time during the church’s open day.

He said: “We had lots of people through the doors and the majority loved it, which was a great relief.

“The ones who gladdened my heart the most were the ones who were determined not to like it, but still did.

“Only one person wouldn’t come through the door. Others said it was going to take some getting used to, but most people were so positive.”

The £300,000 restoration has been in the pipeline for three years.

The church now has new heating and sound systems, as well as the modern seating.

Canon Prestney said the changes meant the revamped nave could now be used through the week for a wide range of events.

The removal of the traditional pews horrified some traditionalists – mirroring a recent storyline in Radio 4’s long-running series, the Archers.

Canon Prestney added: “There was some resistance and there is still some resistance. People have very fond memories of what the church has looked like for the past 100 years.

“Some felt somehow we had taken something away from them and I fear some people are always going to think that. My heart goes out to them.”

But she added: “The silence of eternity is what you still feel there – that hasn’t changed.

“There are those who were totally against it, but have since come to me to say they think it’s beautiful.”

Last weekend, the church witnessed its first service since Christmas, though the project will not be officially completed until this Sunday, when the Bishop of Colchester, the Rt Rev Christopher Morgan is coming to lead a special rededication service.