Last year, on 14 July, an electrical fault led to a fire that gutted the church of All Saints, Mudeford. While thankfully nobody was injured, residents could do nothing but watch as the church was engulfed by flames. More than 50 firefighters were called out to tackle the blaze, with 12 fire engines, two water carriers and an aerial ladder on scene too. Crowds of of people gathered to see the fire crews battle the blaze using water pumped from Mudeford Quay.
Although the loss of the building was heartbreaking to the community, for many people in the local community it was the memories the church represented that were the greater loss. For those who grew up in the Mudeford area, All Saints Church may have been the place their parents were married, or the site of their own christening. As one resident stated at the time, “I know it’s just bricks and mortar but it’s memories burning too.”
The event was devastating for the whole community, but it has also been wonderful to see the church community coming together to restore the building, whilst continuing to meet and to serve the community of Mudeford as they had done before. Assistant Archdeacon Gary Philbrick had faith that the tragedy would unite the community to rebuild, saying at the time:
There will be huge sadness at all of the damage which the fire has caused, but there will also be hope, and a determination that the Church building will be restored, and once again be a centre of worship and celebration and community.
I would like to thank the fire service for their quick response. We are supporting the fire service as they carry out an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Canon Gary Philbrick
A year on from the dreadful fire that devastated the church, the congregation and Mudeford community came together again on the green. There were over 120 people present – not only remembering the church and the fire, but also seeking to recognise the ongoing work to rebuild their beloved building. The firemen who attended on that fateful day on 14 July 2022 also returned and thanked for their efforts with applause.
The service was taken by the Venerable Jean Burgess, Archdeacon of Bournemouth and Revd Canon Helen Griffiss. Revd Jean reminded the congregation that the Church is more than a building, it is the people of God, and its testimony to that fact that the church community continues to flourish and even grow.
Plans to rebuild the church are still ongoing, but great progress has already been made. The intention is to rebuild the church to the same design as the original Victorian building, with a few improvements such as more space for a meeting room and office on the first floor, and a level access into the church and hall to enable those with mobility difficulties and disabilities to have good access to the building.
Architects have been appointed, and the church as a whole is working together to create a hub within their community, for wider community use than ever before. The whole diocesan community sends the community of Mudeford love, prayers and well-wishes for the future!
