Two church buildings in Berkshire and Oxfordshire have risen phoenix-like from the ashes after suffering devastating arson attacks last year.
St Peter's Church, Cranbourne, Berkshire, was closed to the public following a fire caused by a bottle of petrol thrown through a window in January 2006. Fire crews took more than eight hours to bring the blaze under control, and the building suffered water and smoke damage throughout. The famous Willis organ was completely destroyed.
A project team has overseen skilled restoration of the Victorian church and the whole parish has supported a fundraising campaign towards the £1.2m cost of the work.
The Revd Richard Neill said: "For the past 18 months we have been forced to hold our weekly services at a nearby hall and we are really looking forward to returning to this fine building which has been so beautifully restored."
St Peter's is gearing up for a weekend of celebrations from 22 to 24 June culminating in a re-dedication service led by the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Reading on the Sunday evening at 6.30pm.
At St Andrew's Church in Cumnor, Oxfordshire, parishioners are celebrating the opening of a new church and community youth centre replacing the wooden building burned down in two successive arson attacks 18 months ago.
The new brick-built centre is larger than its predecessor and was made possible thanks to local donations. It was opened with a thanksgiving service and barbecue for the community, led by the vicar, the Revd Geoff Maughan.
Youth worker, Ruth Hulse, said it was an exciting time for the young people at the youth club who were looking forward to making use of the new equipment provided. She also hoped the new centre would encourage other youngsters to go along and find out what the group had to offer.
