All Saints Oakham Rutland Shines Anew as Services Resume After Lighting Transformation and Oakham School Music Wednesday lunchtimes.

All Saints Oakham Rutland Shines Anew as Services Resume After Lighting Transformation

Oakham welcomes the return of services to All Saints Church following a significant lighting upgrade.

The historic All Saints Church in Oakham reopened its doors to parishioners on Sunday, marking the resumption of regular services and events for the first time since January. The occasion was particularly special as it showcased the completion of a major project: a full replacement of the church's interior lighting system, costing over £100,000.

The eagerly anticipated reopening saw a warm welcome for the congregation, with a special guest in attendance: Bishop Michael Ipgrave, the Bishop of Lichfield. Bishop Ipgrave holds a fond connection to All Saints, having served as a curate at the church in the 1980s, adding a touch of nostalgia to the celebratory event.

Reverend Stephen Griffiths, the Vicar of Oakham, expressed his delight at the transformation. Alongside the new lighting, the church has also undergone a thorough cleaning, leaving the interior refreshed and revitalized. Reverend Griffiths extended an enthusiastic invitation to the community, encouraging everyone to visit and witness the remarkable changes.

The primary focus of the renovation was to enhance the architectural beauty of the church. Reverend Griffiths highlighted the impact of removing the previous chandeliers, which had partially obscured the impressive arches throughout the nave. "We've got these huge arches throughout the nave of the church," he explained. "The view of them was a bit impeded by those chandeliers, and now they've all gone, we're really able to enjoy the height of these pillars and arches."

The new lighting scheme has been designed to subtly accentuate the church's stunning features. "The rest of the lighting scheme just picks out beautiful parts of the church in a very discreet way," Reverend Griffiths noted. He shared an anecdote illustrating the project's success, mentioning that several attendees had remarked on the inconspicuous nature of the new fixtures, a testament to their thoughtful integration into the historic space.

The resumption of services marks a new chapter for All Saints Church, providing a brighter and more welcoming environment for worship and community events. The significant investment in the lighting not only improves the aesthetic appeal of the church but also ensures its continued use and appreciation for generations to come. The community of Oakham can once again gather within the hallowed walls of All Saints, now illuminated in a way that truly celebrates its architectural grandeur and spiritual significance.

Oakham School Music Wednesday lunchtimes at Oakham School Chapel