History Continued

The Chantry

The north chancel aisle is in fact a chantry. It is separated from the chancel by three Early English arches, and from the north aisle by a low arch resting on a crude corbel and supported by a half pillar on its north side. The central pillar with its capital and base is octagonal whilst the other is circular. The eastern arch is blocked to form a sacristy or vestry. The fine iron railings date from the time of Charles 1st. This area is now used as the choir vestry.

The Organ

The organ was installed in 1894 and has been played almost every Sunday since then. It has two manuals and a pedal board. It requires compressed air to work, and until the middle of the 20th Century this was provided by hand-worked bellows, pumped by a willing choir boy. There are 656 different pipes. In 2009 this organ was removed for complete refurbishment. This work was completed in February 2010 with money raised by the church social committe and donations from a number of organisations.

The Present Building

The present building is mainly of Gothic structure. The chancel, with its north aisle and the lower part of the western tower appear to be of Early English design, characterised by height and pointed arches that could support greater weight. At this time the hollow walls of the early Normans were replaced by single layers of stone. The belfry arch is massive and acutely pointed. From its capitals project two grotesque figures representing a monk and a nun. Each has a cowl drawn closely over the head. The female holds hers with one hand under the chin, whilst the male seems to be hiding something behind his back. In the north and south side of the tower is a lancet window, and what has been a two-light trefoil window in the west wall with a shepherd's crook ornamentation inserted above. The tower also has a ball-flower cornice ornamentation from this early period.

The Stained Glass Windows

All Saints Church has two beautiful stained glass windows. The large east window was placed here as a memorial to Rev. Joseph Pratt, Rector of Paston-cum-Werrington, 1811 to 1876, by his children. The top four sections depict scenes from the life of Jesus. From left to right these are; The Annunciation; The Nativity; The Baptism; and The Crucifixion. The lower panels have the theme of new life. In the first the Widow of Nain's son is raised from the dead; the second shows the sharing of Jairus' daughter; the third is the raising of Lazarus; and the final one is the Resurrection of Jesus. Our other stained glass window is seen in the bell towers and shows the presentation of Jesus to Simeon at the Temple in Jerusalem.

Moving outside

The spire and the porch are examples of Perpendicular design and date from the 15th Century. A sundial was added to the porch in 1756, but because of its position it rarely catches the sun today. The giant yew tree has guarded the entrance for probably as long as the heavy church door that dates back to the 15th Century. It was traditional to plant yew trees in old English churchyards as they burst with new growth from the ground each year and this symbolises new life. The lych gate is not as old as it appears and this one was added as a war memorial in 1922. The church yard is a closed burial ground, except for the burial of ashes, and is the resting place of many people from Paston and the surrounding area.

The Church today

All Saints Church, Paston, is a thriving community. Our mission statement is "Sharing the fun, friendship and peace of knowing Gods love for everyone". We try to live up to that statement. There is always something happening at All Saints. To find out more, browse our website, pick up a magazine from Church, read our notice boards and come and visit and talk to members of our congregation.