How a small rural church can thrive....St Sampsons, South Hill

Judith Ayers is church warden, Reader, restoration project co-ordinator, PCC member and much more at St Sampsons Church, South Hill, Cornwall.  She explains how people's vision and enthusiasm have helped to revitalise this historic church

St Sampson’s Church is an excellent example of a small rural church which is thriving. Our worshiping community has grown and we are valued and supported by the wider community. South Hill parish has 500 people and we are the very visible Christian presence in that community. The last few years have had their problems, but we have overcome them. Having a vision for the future has inspired and enthused us. We have enabled change and progress, whilst retaining the important heritage and community feel that St Sampson’s has. Small deeply rural churches are important for the communities in which they sit and hold much affection within the community. To lose places like St Sampson’s would be a travesty and they need to be supported and encouraged.

We are halfway to raising the £600K needed for our Herculean restoration project to make the church sustainable for the 21st century and beyond by restoring the unique heritage, increasing community use and growing the congregation.

We recently had a celebration day, with a thanksgiving service. Approx. 80 people attended it was an awesome day. With conversations bouncing off the walls about all that had been achieved: the restoration of the stained glass windows; installation of mains water; a composting toilet in the churchyard; restoration of the Michael Hill monument; the removal of the bells for restoration; masonry repairs and door restoration.

Rt. Rev. Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Winchester (former Bishop of Truro until Sept 2023) said
‘I am delighted by what you’ve done at St Sampson’s and am inspired by your energy, commitment and passion – it stands as such a wonderful example to others of just what is possible’.

The parishioners and community are determined that St Sampson’s Church will be here for the next few hundred years.

"May I say how impressive your commitment to transforming your church building is and I am glad to see that more is yet to come. It is always a pleasure to see the continued efforts and care put into church buildings and their continuing use as a space of worship." National Churches Trust

The St Sampson’s Unlocked project started in 2019, with a big vision and a long list! Step by step the project is progressing and despite various setbacks the team continues with enthusiasm to keep moving forwards.

The Parochial Church Council recently received Church of England Faculty approval for the next phase of the project which includes: repairing the roof and ceiling, installing a kitchen and indoor WC facilities and creating a cosy meeting room with underfloor heating.

Not only has St Sampson’s been focusing on the building. The churchyard has also had loving care, with its parallel Living Churchyard Project caring for this ancient land. This year has seen bird and bat boxes installed, surveys of flora and fauna, a new grass cutting regime to encourage wild flowers and wildlife, discovery packs with activities for children and new benches where everyone can enjoy and contemplate the quiet space.

We are excited for the future as we move into the next phase.

If you value Cornish heritage and would like to donate to this inspiring place, please visit.

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/StSampsons-Church-SouthHill-Cornwall

or follow us on Face book St Sampsons Unlocked.