Saving a church, celebrating a shared history - How a centuries old link to George Washington helped secure the future of a Dorset church
By Charlotte Springett, DHCT
When fundraising for repairs to a church in a small parish on the Isle of Purbeck, you might expect support to come from local worshippers, community events or heritage organisations. What you don’t expect is a generous donation arriving from thousands of miles away across the Atlantic.
That is exactly what happened at St Michael and All Angels Church in Steeple, which received a $6232.50 grant from an American trust, the Daughters of the American Revolution, because of a unique connection to the family of George Washington, the first President of the United States.
“It was a long shot,” said Ben Edwards, a resident of Steeple. “I knew the Trust existed and we desperately needed funds so I approached them and was delighted when they replied that they would be pleased to help.”
George Washington’s links to a Dorset church!
The link to George Washington dates back to the marriage of Edmund Lawrence and Agnes de Wessington in 1390 bringing the Washington crest into the church’s history and forging a remarkable connection that still resonates today.
St Michael and All Angels has a number of historical features that show its link to the Washington family. The Washington family crest, quartered with that of the Lawrence family of Steeple, featuring three stars above two horizontal stripes, appears throughout the church, including four shields in the ceiling and in stone carvings on the walls. It is thought that this heraldic design inspired elements of the flag of the United States.
In 1977 Steeple was presented with the Washington flag by the Mayor of Washington, which is hung proudly in the church.
Yet, while the George Washington connection captures imagination, the church’s restoration would not have been possible without support much closer to home.
Support from the Dorset Historic Churches Trust
“Raising money to fund essential repairs is an annual struggle, particularly in a small rural parish like Steeple with 55 residents,” said Ben Edwards. “Before the American funding arrived, we received a generous grant from Dorset Historic Churches Trust. This provided the vital seed corn needed to give the church confidence to move forward helping to unlock further funding.”
His Honour David Grant, Chairman of Dorset Historic Churches Trust explained, “The reality is that the vast majority of Dorset’s churches have no such overseas links or wealthy benefactor to call upon. Instead, they depend on the generosity of local congregations, community fundraising and the support of grant making charities such as Dorset Historic Churches Trust.”
Ben Edwards continued, “The earlier support from Dorset Historic Churches Trust was every bit as significant as it helped turn an ambition into a project. The money awarded by both Dorset Historic Churches Trust and the American Trust helped hugely towards weatherproofing our church, including replacing windows and gutters and repairs to the nave roof. A heartfelt thank you to both trusts for believing in our vision and helping to safeguard the future of our beautiful church.”
Trusts such as Dorset Historic Churches Trust play a vital role in helping parishes meet the often substantial costs of repairing and maintaining centuries old churches and the fascinating histories contained within them. Without that support, many of these treasured churches would face an uncertain future, despite the important part they continue to play in the county’s heritage and community life.
Why conserving Dorset’s churches matters
While few churches can claim a connection to George Washington, every church has its story to tell. From links to notable historical figures and local families, to centuries of community life, architecture and tradition, these buildings are repositories of Dorset’s heritage.
As well as remaining among the finest buildings in our towns and villages, churches embody local history, bear witness to centuries of faith, events, celebration, loss and everyday life. Their histories continue to attract visitors, inspire research and strengthen the case for preserving them for future generations.
Ride and Stride
If you are a history lover, Ride + Stride (organised by Dorset Historic Churches Trust) is the perfect opportunity to explore the wonders of Dorset’s churches while supporting a great cause – the preservation of these beautiful buildings and their rich histories. Even better, 50% of the sponsorship you raise can be returned directly to your church.
Many churches, including St Michael and All Angels, will be open on 12 September and some will be serving refreshments.
Gather your sponsors, choose your route and travel around Dorset’s churches your way – whether that’s walking, cycling, running, driving or catching the bus! Participants can plan their own route, set their own pace and make the day as relaxed or adventurous as they like. Read more details about Ride and Stride in Dorset.
Dorset Historic Churches Trust (DHCT)
Founded in 1960 to support the preservation, conservation and repair of more than 400 churches and chapels of all Christian denominations in Dorset. Here’s what they do…
• Organises Ride + Stride, the Trust’s main fundraising event which takes place each year on the 2nd Saturday in September. The Trust also raises funds through Friends, legacies and donations.
• Gives practical support for projects and spreads the word about the value of Dorset’s churches through the Friends organisation, Church Crawls, lectures and special events.
• Aims to awards grants each year of more than £150,000 to help with conservation, restoration, repair and installing facilities to expand the utility of a church for its community.
Find out more at www.dhct.org.uk
or follow on Instagram @dorsethistoricchurchestrust
Over fifty thousand in grants from the DHCT
Dorset Historic Churches Trust (DHCT) recently announced grants totalling £53,500 to help fund essential repairs for ten churches across the county.
The funding will support projects including roof and ceiling repairs, damp-proofing, bell frame repairs and leadwork to windows at churches in Blandford, Cheselbourne, Cranborne, Fishpond, Holtwood, Lydlinch, Okeford Fitzpaine, Swyre, Toller Porcorum and Winterborne Clenston.
Nina Shaw-Porter, Churchwarden at St-Martin’s Church, Cheselbourne, one of ten churches awarded a grant by Dorset Historic Churches Trust to help with vital repairs. Read the full story about the DHCT grants.
