Sculptor Peter Eugene Ball creates new artwork for St Thomas Church in Lymington to mark 775th anniversary
RENOWNED sculptor Peter Eugene Ball has created a new artwork for a Forest church as it prepares to mark a milestone anniversary.
A series of events will be taking place at St Thomas Church in Lymington over the next two months in recognition of its 775th birthday.
Before the celebratory events get under way, Mr Ball delivered a new sculpture of Jesus – dubbed the Lymington Christus – to go on display in the church’s Courtenay Chapel.
The Rev Lee Thompson told the A&T: “To commemorate the 775th anniversary, the friends of St Thomas Church commissioned the Lymington Christus by renowned sculptor Peter Eugene Ball.
“It will be installed in the Courtenay Chapel and dedicated by The Bishop of Southampton at 10am on Sunday, 6th July.
“We are delighted and grateful to the friends for commissioning this sculpture. Peter Eugene Ball’s work, found in cathedrals and cherished churches nationwide, lends itself to quiet contemplation.
“Visitors to our church often seek a moment of prayer or calm amidst the busyness and concerns of the world. I am confident that many will find peace and comfort in the presence of the Lymington Christus.”
Kicking off the church’s anniversary celebrations, the Friends of St Thomas Church are hosting a summer fair with an artisan market on Saturday 21st June.
There will be stalls selling traditional goods and refreshments, children’s activities and a performance by morris dancers.
On Saturday 28th June St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery will stage a history exhibition in the church, which will be festooned with floral arrangements by members of St Thomas Flower Guild and Lymington Flower Club. Refreshments will be served by the friends.
The final event on Sunday, 6th July will be a visit from the Bishop of Southampton, Bishop Rhiannon King, to consecrate the Lymington Christus sculpture.
Built around 1250, with the Courtenay Chapel added in 1325, St Thomas Church has a colourful history.
The church endured French raids in the 14th and 15th centuries and was used as a fortification by Parliamentarian soldiers during the English Civil War.
In 1670, the church’s tower was constructed, serving as a watchtower over the Solent and housed a peal of six bells.
Since 1901 another two bells have been added to the tower, which is crowned by a Georgian cupola and houses the town bell, which was cast in 1688.