St Guthlac's Church, Market Deeping

Saint Guthlac's Church, Market Deeping is a parish church in the Church of England in Market Deeping, Lincolnshire.

Background

The largely 15th century church of St Guthlac is the only church in Market Deeping, Lincolnshire, England and part of the Church of England in the Anglo-Catholic Tradition. The church is relatively well attended considering the small population of the town (approximately 3% of the population attend regularly) with a congregation of approximately 150.

History

Architecturally, the church is very interesting. On the South face of the tower is a limestone sundial inscribed with the phrase The day is thine, with a similar sundial on the North face which bears the words The Night cometh. The interior of the church is also of interest. The nave is supported on the south aisle by Norman arches, whereas those on the north aisle are more modern Gothic architecture. The church also has a large Victorian organ. The stained glass windows in the Chancel are a series of scenes depicting the life of the saint to whom the church is dedicated, Saint Guthlac, including one in which he is seen sailing through what is now the fens to establish a monastery, now Crowland Abbey. This scene has become the logo for the nearby Deepings School in Deeping St James.

Current status

The Rector is the Reverend Philip Brent.

The Sunday School at the church takes place opposite the church in the "Green School".

Fundraising is currently underway for a tower project to improve access to comply with disability legislation.

The church is in the diocese of Lincoln in the Deanery of Elloe West. As well as being a member of the Deepings Churches together, a local organisation of churches within The Deepings, the church is a member of the St Guthlac fellowship.

Organ

The church has a two manual pipe organ. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.

External links

• St Guthlac's Church