Gainsborough churches will take part in the West Lindsey Churches Festival after 2 year wait!
The West Lindsey Churches Festival launched last weekend with churches from across the area opening up their doors after a long 2 year wait. Many offered fantastic events, tasty treats and exciting opportunities to see some extraordinary buildings, some of which aren’t open all year round.
This weekend, visitors and residents will get the chance to explore some of Gainsborough’s churches as the festival kicks off for its second weekend.
Take a look below at who will be open this weekend…
Gainsborough All Saints
Open Saturday 14 May, 10am to 4pm and Sunday 15 May, 12pm to 4pm
A very different Georgian style church with medieval tower and a magnificent interior. The altar piece is also a copy of the Da Vinci painting of The Last Supper; plus the organ is a 3 manual Walker (1906). See too, the beautiful stained glass and a display depicting connections with the Pilgrim Fathers as well as John Wesley and his family.
Friends of Gainsborough Cemeteries & Chapel
Open Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 May, 10am to 3pm
Come follow our trail taking you on a journey to see the restored headstones to our brave First World War soldiers. Unfortunately, the chapel may not be open due to restoration work, but please do visit and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Friends Meeting House
Open Saturday 14 May ONLY, 10.30am to 3.30pm
The Meeting House in Market Street is a touchingly simple building dating from 1704. It remains simple but with a powerful feeling of history, prayer and silence. The garden is an oasis in the middle of busy Gainsborough. Visit us and share its atmosphere of peace and find out about find out the history of Quakerism in Lincolnshire.
Gainsborough St Thomas of Canterbury
Open Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 May, 10am to 5pm
Tucked away in Cross Street, a small narrow street, the church and house were built in 1866. The church is decorated in Pugin style and is only 5 minutes walk from Marshall’s Yard. Information about a church school few people knew about, a WWI memorial and display plus a period costume and accessories display make for an interesting visit. Refreshments will include a variety of teas, coffee and cake.
Gainsborough United Reformed Church
Open Saturday 14 May, 10am to 2pm and Sunday 15 May, 2pm to 4pm
Built in 1897 as a memorial to John Robinson, pastor of the Mayflower Pilgrims, the United Reformed Churches hosts a permanent Pilgrim exhibition. The two manual pipe organ built in 1903 by Forster and Andrews is listed by the British Institute of Organ Studies as an instrument of national heritage importance.
Morton St Paul
Open Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 May, 10am to 4pm
Follow in the footsteps of St Paul, walk the labyrinth, and view the fine collection of ten windows designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones who worked on them with William Morris. Also a font of frostily marble surmounted by a fine carved canopy and an Augustus Gern organ built in 1891. The organ case is a wonderful piece of craftsmanship.
These are just 6 of 50 churches that are opening this weekend! Visit https://www.churchesfestival.info/ to find out more. Don’t forget in Gainsborough, the monthly Farmers’ and Craft Market will be taking place on Saturday 9am to 3pm, plus find other great places to visit and things to do whilst visiting the town.