St Mary the virgin-East Bergholt -Suffolk

`Timeless and immutable`, yet simple beauty, eternal testament to the Lord,
through the annals of time, subsequent worshippers have, with one accord,
praised and honoured values held in the highest of esteem, then handed on,
as a competitor in a relay race, so the next generation will grasp the baton.

The church of St Mary the Virgin, faithfully has remained over long ages,
seeing the slow, gradual change of life, and, like the seasons, rolling pages,
gaining status omnipotent-`sailing`, sometimes, through waters deep and still,
but never failing to honour ambitions of those, long ago, who built to fulfil
aims of this, `God’s house`, in peaceful surround, to realise Biblical desire,
traditions of worship have been here observed and each procreation aspire,
for forgiveness of sins and consideration of human fault, a regular deed,
and for community spirit, social concord, our fellow being’s daily need.

Fine carvings of the sanctuary, also abound in the grand, lofty wooden roof,
stained glass windows, depicting Biblical scenes and, if needed, further proof
keen attention to detail and the craftsman’s mark, much dedication demands,
in liturgical music, the majestic organ, with the players sure feet and hands,
demands melodious vocal aspiration, praises to the Almighty-`King of Kings.`
On Sundays and other Holy days, loyal congregation with loud voice sings,
together, it now echoing harmonious, ardent desire of those who went before,
the faithful who today strive to maintain values of antiquity borne in yore,
out in the churchyard a scene of tranquillity abounds, birds on the wing`,
the unusual bells, in their cage, restored to former glory, now regularly `sing.`

All around is flora, the spirit of Constable and his beloved `Dedham Vale`,
the evocative ambience `mirrors` long passed scenes which still do prevail,
the aim is now, as was then, to serve the Lord with a cheery disposition,
in this olde English rural church with it’s long held, unwavering tradition.
For those, now long gone, who `slumber` beneath cold slab of stone,
amidst uneven cobbled floor, whilst `above` we, today, beg to atone,
asking forgiveness for mortal shortfall, as they do silently await,
with patience, for the day when they will arise in glorious state.

This `living` church of serene beauty, as cathartic thought ever implies,
may it go on forever, for, just in mortal death, indeed life never dies.

Jennifer Kersey