The Choir - Angels announce birth of Jesus
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and singing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger
Look up to see the stone vaulted ceiling below the central tower and its spire which you will have noticed from the outside. Look north to find the organ which was installed in the 1920s and is still in use today.
Anecdote
In the late 14th century, the central tower and spire were added, while a century later the west tower was erected, making St Mary’s unique among English churches in having two towers, one at the crossing and the other at the west end. Two other churches are similar, in nearby Wanborough and Ormskirk in Lancashire, but in both the central spire is smaller than the west tower, unlike Purton.
Bible Reading
