From 1913 until 1923, in summer and fine weather Rowley folk worshiped in the open air, following a disastrous fire the church had been reduced to a burnt out shell. Some services and meetings were relocated to a church school, and a social club, and in some cases people’s homes. Then along came Reverend Cheverton who set to work with vigour and military precision to put things right, thanks to his energy the 4th church building was consecrated on the Feast of St Michaels 1922; it had been Vicar Cheverton’s hope that the new building could be re-named for St Michael, but the people of Rowley had grown fond of their Patron Saint (since 1199) and stuck by him, but gave St Michael a prominent place together with St Giles, St Faith and St George in the Stained Glass of the East Window.
Rowley lost its church school in the 1950s, but, God moves in mysterious ways and the opening decade of the 21st Century bought St Michael’s School to a new location, just over the road to St Giles! Our present, Vicar, Reverend Ian Shelton is very active over in the school, links and friendships have been and are being forged. Reverend Ian writes a ‘Thought for the week for the school web site. ….. Please follow the link to learn more.
This was this weeks.
Thought for the week
St Michael’s School
Thought for the week – Reverend Ian Shelton 8th June 2015
Once a year, a Sunday newspaper produces a “top 100” list. Not the wealthiest people in the UK, that’s another list! The 100 list that came out yesterday is called “The Happy List”, people nominated by the public, checked out and recognised for their contribution to making life better.
2014’s list included; Stephen Sutton, The teenager whose “bucket list” made millions for the Teenage Cancer Trust, along with people who’d gone the extra mile for others; people with disabilities, neighbours who needed help, ventures to make life better.
They gathered in a London Hotel, near St Pauls to celebrate their contribution to making life better.
Over the weekend we celebrated in church, some important lives that the church recognises. By the entrance door there is a display in honour of St Michael, created by a member of the school staff. At the far end there is a display remembering St Giles, who was safe guarding a deer, there is a rather cute Bambi model on our display. In between there are many more people who over the years have given beyond the course of duty for faith and have inspired others.
There was an omission at church, not deliberately, but we should have included St Barnabas, who’s remembered later this week. Someone whose generation, courage, selflessness made him one of the most attractive personalities in the Christian calendar.
For more about Stephen Sutton please follow link
Stephen Sutton
(Detail from St Giles flower display by Nellie Bird)
tidesandtidings 
Jean this is all marvellous we are getting ourselves so recognised!! Love being involved with both our church and the school xxx
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I think, Carole, that we have quite a few gentle people who emulate St Barnabas round and about us, it takes all kinds of people, of all ages to make the world go round. Stephen Sutton shared a lot of the New Testament Saint’s outlook. Those, just a little older than Stephen, who join in with the Links Group activities between church and school a few more.
Thank you for your comment.
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