On Sunday 30th Oct 2022 the annual rededication service was held at All Saints Church, opposite the almshouses in Farley. The two buildings were both built under the finance and instruction of Sir Stephen Fox, and each year the almshouse trustees and members of the Church rededicate themselves to the protection of Church, hospital, and its residents.
After the service, everyone stepped across the road to the Wardenry where tea and cake was served in the Long Room.
Revd Dr. Simon Chambers (Team Rector for the Clarendon Churches) presided over the service. He gave a lovely sermon and then led the following re-dedication:
Minister
Sir Stephen Fox, benefactor of this Church and the Almshouses, left the village of Farley a unique asset that served both God and the community. They are an asset that the village has been proud to maintain through the centuries, and we stand here today on this Feast of All Saints, to which this Church is dedicated to reaffirm our commitment to maintaining the House of Prayer along with the Almshouses, which are houses of peace and refuge to those who live there.
Wherefore, I call upon the present trustees of Sir Stephen Fox’s foundation, together with the wardens of this Church and the community represented here, to rededicate themselves to God’s service in accordance with his vision and ideals.
Trustees of the Almshouses, will you do all in your power to maintain these homes of peace and refuge. For all who have cause to need them, and endeavour in all that you do to secure them for future generations?
Trustees
With the help of God and the support of the community, we will.
Minister
PCC members of this ancient Parish Church, will you do all in your power to maintain this church, dedicated to All Saints, to be a House of Prayer for all those who have cause to come here; and will you endeavour in all that you do to secure this place of worship for future generations?
PCC members
With the help of God and the support of the community, we will.
Minister
Will you, gathered here this day, do all in your power to support and maintain this church and the almshouses, so that people may continue to see worked out in the community the love of God and love our neighbour, which was the intention of our benefactor, Sir Stephen Fox, those many years ago?
All
With the help of God, and the support of the community, we will.