It has been a hammer blow to villagers, but today the residents of Beachamwell came together to begin the effort to restore their beloved church.
On Wednesday, the 11th-century St Mary's was devastated by a terrible fire that gutted the thatched roof and left the round tower badly damaged by flames.
The church had been undergoing work after thieves stole lead from the roof.
Bishop Dagmar Winter of Huntingdon visits Beachamwell for prayers and support after the devastating fire. MLNF-22MF2014
Bishop Dagmar Winter, suffragan bishop of Huntingdon in the diocese of Ely, was a Beachamwell this morning to take a service for villagers on The Green close to the church.
Many villagers turned out to hear the bishop, with the Rev Dr Ian Mack, Rev Ray Burman, and lay minister Pippa Blackall, led prayers and offered support to parishioners.
Bishop Dagmar Winter of Huntingdon visits Beachamwell Parish Church to give prayer and support after the devastating fire. MLNF-22MF2001Bishop Dagmar Winter of Huntingdon visits Beachamwell Parish Church to give prayer and support after the devastating fire. With, from left, Pippa Blackall. Rev Ray Burman. Rev Dr Ian Mack. MLNF-22MF2002Bishop Dagmar Winter of Huntingdon visits Beachamwell Parish Church to give prayer and support after the devastating fire. MLNF-22MF2003Bishop Dagmar with Rev Dr Ian Mack. MLNF-22MF2004The congregation on the village green today at Beachamwell. MLNF-22MF2005The Rev Dr Ian Mack speaks at Beachamwell this morning. MLNF-22MF2006Parishioners at the outdoor service today at Beachamwell. MLNF-22MF2007Lay minister Pippa Blackall speaks at the Beachamwell service this morning. MLNF-22MF2008Rev Ray Burman speaks today at Beachamwell. MLNF-22MF2009The service today at Beachamwell. MLNF-22MF2011Beachamwell service today on the village green. MLNF-22MF2021Rev Ray Burman speaks today at Beachamwell. MLNF-22MF2009The service today at Beachamwell. MLNF-22MF2011People at today's Beachamwell service. MLNF-22MF2012St Mary's Church, Beachamwell, lies in ruins. MLNF-22MF2023Beachamwell service on the village green today. MLNF-22MF2013Bishop Dagmar Winter of Huntingdon visits Beachamwell for prayers and support after the devastating fire. MLNF-22MF2014St Mary's Church, Beachamwell, lies in ruins. MLNF-22MF2023The fire which devastated the St Mary's Church in Beachamwell
