Peoples Stories - Bevendean History Project
New Cross on the roof of St Mary Magdalen Church
The First Cross
The cross, made by Mr Read, was crafted from wood which had been given
anonymously. It was placed on the roof at the western end of the church
roof and blessed and dedicated at the Family Communion Service on the
16th November 1975.
Unfortunately this cross had to be removed to prevent water seeping into the roof where the upright beam of the cross went through the ridge tiles.
Unfortunately this cross had to be removed to prevent water seeping into the roof where the upright beam of the cross went through the ridge tiles.
New Church Roof Crosses
On Saturday, 8 December 2018
the Bishop of Lewes blessed two ceramic roof crosses which have just
been installed at opposite ends of the main church roof of St Mary
Magdalen Church in Coldean.
The crosses on the church roof were purchased with money donated from the funeral of Sam Verrall. She was 26 years old when she passed away on the 10th April 2012 only 9 months after being confirmed in the church.
She lived life to the full and made the most of the time she had. Sam’s mother said that she is missed by everyone and this cross will be a lovely tribute to her that will last for many years to come.
These crosses replaced a wooden cross which had to be removed in 2010 as it was letting water through the roof.
The Bishop, standing on a bench, sprinkled water into the air in the direction of the crosses while members of the congregation stood round him watching.
The Bishop was accompanied by the Archdeacon of Brighton. Fortunately the rain held off while we were outside for the blessing of the crosses.
The service was followed by a
party to celebrate the return of a cross to the roof of the church. The
cross at one end of the church is illuminated at night and can be seen
when you drive down Coldean Lane towards the Lewes Road in Brighton.
John Phillips
29 January 2019
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