Following the fire at All Saints Church we have set up this page for you to add your memories of the Church building, with hopes and prayers for the future.
How can I help? If you would like to contribute to the reconstruction of the Church these are ways that you can help, and register to get more details as they become available.
The true Church is the people of God, united in Christ Jesus. As such, it remains intact and strong in the Parish of Fleet. We thank God that no-one was hurt and pray for His power to grow from the ashes, stronger than before.
At least the brickwork is relatively intact. As an Architect I am ever hopeful that she will be rebuilt. Prayers with you all. A very sad day. Mum and Dad, both Grandparents and Great-Grandparents on Mum’s side were all married at All Saints. We feel the loss. Thank God no one was injured. Love to all in the Parish from Diem and I in Vietnam. Matt Parkes.
I speak for all the children at all saints school including my son will be devastated!
They enjoy their time at the church. I just hope as a community we can rebuild in the future x
Our latest memory of All Saints church Is the service held to celebrate 150 years of All Saints school, it was a magical evening and we couldn’t stop marvelling the beauty of the church. My daughter had built many memories there, we pray that all the community and church people will work together to rebuild the church.
This church is part of our community. It is a terrible sadness that it has burnt down but im sure we can all pull together and help. We have many many happy memories – christenings, carol services. It is a truly great church x
My son was christened at All Saints Church on his first birthday. Happy memories. A very sad loss to all.
Many prayers for you. Curate in the parish 1990-1993
Our love and prayers are with you at this time
From at Holy Spirit Southsea
Every Tuesday my son and the little girl I mind go to praise and play. My son,Toby, calls it candle playgroup because we light a candle at the beginning and blow it out at the end. Kate organises wonderful Bible stories and all kinds of activities relating to God and we sing, play instruments and have fun. The children know the church, feel happy there, know where to go as soon as we enter through the heavy double doors and as I follow them down the church to praise and play I never failed to marvel at the beautiful interior. I am so very sad we will never do this part of praise and play again – I organised our week around it because we all enjoyed it so much. This is a very sad day.
We live on Church Rd & heard & saw a lot of the sadness. My son who attends All Saints school is absolutely devastated – his words last night of “that’s our school church” brought tears to my eyes. I just hope as a community we can help rebuild this what was a beautiful building.
Such a sad loss for Fleet and the Parish. We have very special memories of All Saints Church, as our Daughter, Karen married her Husband, John there in 1998, with both of their children, Eloise and Matilda being Christened at the Church in the following years. Our other 2 Grandchildren, Amelia and Finley were also Christened there, so all of the family are feeling the impact of the fire. We send our wishes to all those affected and trust that the church can be rebuilt and live again.
Beautiful building with amazing memories. Watching my son perform with his school. Homework projects and Sunday mornings all age worships. The people of Fleet feel the loss.
I got married there on the 7th July 2012. Very saddend
I visited All Saints Church several times as I was in All Saints school
I was always struck by how beautiful the Church was inside and out
My whole family are very upset about the fire last night and are praying for the Church
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at All Saints Fleet this morning, as you come to terms with the news and look to the future together. Best wishes from all of us at Crookham Infant School, Katharine Bowen, Headteacher.
We are both saddened and heartbroken to hear of and see the damage to such an iconic building. Couldn’t believe it!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all in the Parish at this time.
We can both empathise and sympathise at the loss of the church building as the focus of worship, We too are still without our church after the flooding last year.
God bless you all
Such wonderful memories of glorious services and concerts. As a member of Hart Voices I have loved singing in that fantastic acoustic accompanied by that magnificent organ. Such a sad day. I hope and pray that the church can be restored to its full glory and I will do all I can to support that effort.
I’ve lived in Fleet for 44 years. I was in the choir as a young girl and was married in the church in 1987 by Reverend Jobson. Both my boys were christened there and they both attended All Saints School. Such a shock to see such an iconic Fleet building destroyed but I’m sure it will rise again and continue to be an important part of so many of our lives. Very sad day.
All Saints was my Church all through my teenage years and young adulthood. I was confirmed there and later my husband Henry and I married there. It has a very special place in my heart and this is indeed very sad news. However, as has been mentioned earlier – the Church is really the people of God and they all remain intact. Hopefully this beautiful building can in time be rebuilt to its former glory. Thanks to all the wonderful and brave fire crews who limited the damage.
So many memories of this church but the happiest was when I was married to my husband in July 2013 by Jennifer. It was the most beautiful service. Small, intimate and personal. We had just been in contact with Mark about holding a Thanksgiving Service for our son here as well as it is such a special place. So grateful that no one was injured x
I was devastated to see All Saints Church last night with flames coming out of the roof. I have lived in Fleet for over 50 years and have so many wonderful memories of special times in the Church. I took my Confirmation classes there with Rev. Deeds. Many of my friends were married in the Church. More recently I have enjoyed special services for All Saints School with my children, especially the leavers service at the end of year 6 and enjoyed my daughter playing her flute there with the All Saints School Orchestra. All my love and prayers are with everyone affected by this very sad loss and hope and pray that we can in time rebuild our Church.
All Saints has been part of our lives for so many years. All of our family’s Christening, Weddings and Funerals have been conducted there. Sadly Mum’s funeral was last December, she had worshipped at All Saints all of her 96 years, as well as arranged so many flowers there. We as a family are so sad and pray for you all.
Such a sad day – many generations of my family have been married, christened and had funerals at this beautiful and historic church. Our thoughts and prayers are with the community and congregation, we are so thankful that no-one was hurt.
All Saints is a wonderful church and it will live on – our wedding there 5 years ago was such a beautiful day and although our daughters christening, which was due to happen at All Saints this weekend, will not take place there we know she will be welcomed into a strong and caring church family that will last forever.
We were so sad to hear of the fire at All Saints as we were married there, our daughter was christened and married there and M’s father was a lay reader there. We have happy memories of the church and hope that it can be rebuilt.
I am so sad to see thIs wonderful church ruined in a matter of hours. I’ve spent many happy times there from midnight mass, the reading of my banns, my wedding and then our Daughters christening. And my heart goes out to all those who were planning their weddings and christening a there in the coming weeks. I hope we can restore it to its former glory. Fleet will unite as they always do.
On behalf of all at Hart Voices, we would like to celebrate the great many memories we made in this fantastic church.
An historic landmark at the heart of the Fleet community for many years, All Saints is definitely Hart Voices’ “home”.
We have rehearsed in the Parish Centre, every Wednesday evening, for many years (and hopefully will continue to) and have been lucky enough to have given a great many concerts in the outstanding acoustic of the church, accompanied by the magnificent organ.
It is touching to read the glowing tributes of the Church and Parish, with the memories All Saints holds for the people of Fleet – it is a church (and for us, a concert venue) that is unmatched in the Fleet-area and will be greatly missed.
On this terribly sad day for the Parish, for your faithful congregation and for Fleet as a wider community, we hope and pray that the church can be rebuilt and will assist in whatever way we can.
And we look forward to a time when we can bring our music back to All Saints.
To our dear friends in Fleet . . . . We are absolutely devastated to hear of and see the pictures of destruction at All Saints. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this challenging time. How very appropriate is your verse of the day from Isaiah on the Parish website: “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” You are a sturdy lot of dedicated, faithful and determined folk – our memories are of so many happy occasions in the Church – All Saints will rise up from this and once again be the centre of faith in the community that it has been for the past 153 years! Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark and all of you today. God bless! Roy, Kate, Beth and Martha.
Thank you Roy. We are sorry that your appearance with Martha at the July lunchtime concert won’t be quite as planned – but most grateful that both your concert with Martha rearranged to St Nicolas Cranleigh and your concert with Fleet Choral Society rearranged to Church on the Heath are now both fundraisers for the All Saints Fund.
All Saints was my Nan’s church.Irene Findley.We had her funeral there & a service of rememberence there too.I also went with her to Midnight Mass on Xmas Eve.I feel very sad that such a Beautiful building that held so many memories for us as a family & countless others has been destroyed.I hope it can be rebuilt.
Our hearts go out to you at this sad time. Just wanted you to know that you have the love and prayers of all of us at St Anne’s Church, Bagshot.
We have seen that your Vicar Andreas is back in Fleet today to help. Thank you for your practical support as well as your prayers.
My parents parish church, am devastated and so is my mum, I remember the celebrations when the church celebrated its anniversary, my mum had taken some lovely photos of the windows and such and sold them as postcards, they will be most treasured. My prayer is that this brings a community together and with God’s will that the church can be rebuilt.
So sad to see the damage to a truly beautiful building. Thoughts and prayers are with all the congregation of All Saints and her sister church SS Philip and James. I know you will be grieving over the destruction but remember YOU are the true church and the body of Christ. Stay strong in him and he will bear you up.
How sad it’s a lovely church was married there in 1991 as my home town happy memories
I am absolutely gutted I lived in Fleet until 1985 one of my daughters still lives there so it is close to my heart. All my daughters were confirmed at All Saints one daughter married and one baptised.
The Vicar and the congregation are in my thoughts
This devasting event brought tears to my eyes as it is the church where my darling wife Dorothy and I were married on 8th June 1963. I look forward to donating funds to assist in the re-build in memory of my darling wife who passed away in March 1914.
A wonderful church which needs our help.
Norman West
My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Fleet at this sad time. I have sung concerts at All Saints with the Farnham Youth Choir and attended many others. It was such a beautiful building with a very welcoming congregation. I am sure you will re-build.
Having moved to Fleet in the late 70’s and attending confirmation classes at this church around 1988 with my best friends before going to the under 16’s night at the Fleet Country Club this church holds many memories…. I am devastated to seethe damage caused by a fellow human. Please let us know where we can donate or volunteer help for the future of All Saints Church Fleet.
What a terribly sad event. A beautiful church with happy memories of our son’s Christening in 2006 and the place we worshipped first as a family. Prayers to all involved and for the future rebuilding of the church.
We were married here, and I have enjoyed bringing both our children to praise and play in the church. We have always received an inclusive welcome from the church family. My hope would be that the church would be rebuilt so that it can continue to be a place where the community can connect with God and each other.
We got married here nearly 8 years ago and I’m deeply saddened to know that this is potentially an act of arson! Such a beautiful church with so many wonderful memories for so many people in our lives. I really hope that the community can pull together to rebuild the church and continue the wonderful work it does.
Prayers for all involved in restoring this beautiful church, the heart of Fleet. My husband’s funeral service was held there in July 2008, a very sad day for so many people.
My grandparents served as Churchwardens and PCC members for many years, my sister was in the choir and I served as an acolyte there in the 1990s, as well as having my confirmation there
Our thoughts and prayers are with your congregation. We had a similar experience at St James Clanfield Hampshire in 2008. Take heart that God will use this experience to strengthen you and deepen your fellowship and relationship with the community.
Gill – Vicar of St James
Utterly devastated at what has happened, I have thought of very little else since hearing the news. My family have only been living in Fleet for two years but my daughter was baptised at All Saints last year, and my son loves to point out the “beautiful church” whenever we walk past. We have been made to feel so welcome. My thoughts are very much with you at this sad time and my prayer is that strength is found in due course to look to the future with positivity.
I remember going to a carol service near midnight on Christmas eve circa 1964. It was an amazing service, by I think Canon Robbins and Father Robin Taylor. When we came out it was snowing and thetrees were all white- oit was just like a Christmas card. Christmas seemed very real, timeless.
I was married in this church as was my sister and my parents and most of our family. My cousins were christened here and it has held numerous family funerals including my grandmother Elsie Beale at the end of last year. I am gutted at this happening and am praying it can be rebuilt
Our prayers are with everyone today. It is a huge loss but I know that the community will pull together in whatever way is needed. The building may be badly damaged but a church is so very much more than bricks and mortar. Love to all.
We were married here only last month having moved to the area just over 2 years ago. Each time we visited the church we were in admiration of its beautiful interior and roof structure. All our guests commented on how pretty the church was. Such a sad sad loss. I truly hope it can be rebuilt, sooner rather than later x
With love and prayers from the people of another All Saints’ Church, down the M3 in Basingstoke.
Thank you for your thoughts from another All Saints in Hampshire. I hear from St Michael’s churchwarden (who I am currently working with) that your PCC were following the sad news last night.
My great, great grandfather is buried there, my grandfather, father and his brother were in the choir in the 30’s, my parents and godparents were married there, all the olds funerals were there, my Aunt Bertha (Mrs Waite) ran the Sunday School and I sang there with P and J’s choir.My son Matthew was Christened there. A huge and senseless loss, but it is more than just bricks and can be rebuilt.
Such sad news. I was a chorister at St Philip and James as a teenager and have fond memories of singing at All Saints. Love and prayers to everyone
The Parish of Fleet has so many wonderful and faithful people. I am convinced that you will rally together as a community and that out of the ashes something new and beautiful will grow. After all – we are a people of the resurrection! The thoughts and prayers of all us here at St.Anne’s Bagshot are with you at this moment in time.
This lovely church welcomed us with open arms into the Friday playgroup a mere 6 days after moving from London to Fleet – I knew then that we had moved somewhere amazing. I am so sorry for what has happened. The strength of feeling from the community is testament to how much the church meant to people (churchgoers and non-churchgoers alike) and I’m sure we will come together to help rebuild it. Love and thoughts.
when visiting family there several times it was our church home, with family attending since the 1930s. I hope it can be rebuilt!
My sister and cousin got christened and my auntie got married there. At junior school we used to go down to the church for a service every so often. So sad as has lots of memories for me and my family xx
My husband and I came to fleet in 1965 and All saints has been our spiritual home ever since. We have both spent our lives as part of the wonderful church community and we know that we are a strong and united group of people who will rebuild this lovely church, we will be strengthened in our determination to leave something special for our future generations and we are so fortunate to have Mark our vicar to lead us at this difficult time. Our Monday to Friday 10am to 12.30 coffee bar will reopen on Monday 29 June and we would love you to come and share your special memories with us. Our monthly midweek lunch on Thursday 2nd July will go ahead but Roy Woodhams and Martha will now be performing in St Nicholas Cranleigh, next Sunday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you but as others have said with the Lord’s help you will persevere, find some temporary place to worship or join some other Christians and see the right way ahead with regard to repairing/rebuilding but of course it will take time.
At least no injuries or worse to people unlike our fellow Christians in Charleston USA who have been demonstrating the grace of Christ’s forgiveness after their Pastor and 6 church members were killed.. Church buildings are only buildings even if useful and with historical and architectural value particularly as they get older. We are celebrating the 800th anniversary of ours in Bucks this year.
My parents moved to Fleet in 1946 and their ashes were interred after their deaths in 2000 and 2006 and I and my two older sisters have fond memories of our childhood in Fleet and at All Saints straddling several Vicars, Jocelyn Grundy being the last who died recently. One of my sisters (Carolyn) and her husband lived in Fleet where her children also grew up.
It looks as though the words over the arch leading to the chancel have been burnt or obliterated but their truth remains, namely, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty”. May we all look to Him, holy yet forgiving, and to Jesus our living Saviour and Lord and Head of the church being the international Christian family.
My family and I are totally devastated hearing the news of the terrible fire, and seeing the photos of the destruction. I was a member of the church family from when I moved to Fleet at the age of 5 until I moved away after I married. I attended the Sunday School, sang in the choir, was a Sunday School teacher, got married there, taught at All Saints Junior School, and had my first daughter baptized there. My brothers also sang in the choir, and my parents are still stalwart members of the Church heavily involved in Parish Life. It is so heartbreaking to see the Church building so damaged, and know that the interior painting, woodwork, furniture and artifacts are lost. However, I know that a church consists of more than just buildings and things, and that the congregation of All Saints and the community of Fleet will rebuild and repair, and that the good work of The Lord will prevail. I pray for strength for that, wisdom to make the right decisions, light for the dark, difficult days ahead and love and forgiveness for the individual(s) involved in the act of destruction. God Bless you all, our love and prayers are with you. xx
We at Hart Voices rehearse in the church hall and have used the church for many of our concerts. We are devastated to learn of the destruction of this beautiful and moving building. We feel we have lost an old friend. I’m sure some good will eventually come of this, but it’s hard to imagine at the moment.
So upset to hear of the destruction of the church. It held a special place in the hearts of my family, I was Christened there in 1960, married there in 1982, my first child Christened there in 1987 and my sister married, my nephew Christened and my father’s funeral service was also held there. So so sad.
My husbands family have lived in Fleet for generations, many of whom were married and christened at All Saints church. His great Grandfather, a stone mason, made the font! Sadly his great Aunt passed away yesterday (the same day as the fire), she lived much of her life in a bungalow where Sunrise Nursing Home now stands and was a regular attendee at the church.
Morag As you will see from the Fire Service’s picture of the inside of the Church, the Font has survived – with a few chips! Your husband’s great grandfather made it well. It was a big rock.
Yes we saw it! Hopefully it will continue to be used when the church is rebuilt. 🙂
When we first moved to Church Crookham 13 years ago we spent our first Christmas at All Saints – a very special service!. It was a beautiful church and we are really shocked and saddened to see it in such an awful state. I pray that it can be re-built.
Love and prayers x
I have been fortunate enough in the past to have been invited to give organ recitals in All Saints and to have been allowed to practise on the lovely organ as and when. If musical events are arranged as fund raisers, I should be pleased to contribute. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you weather this setback and prepare to plan the future of the church.
Christopher. While I fear that the Organ did not survive the fire, your contribution to musical fundraising events would be welcome. http://wpapp.parishoffleet.org.uk/how_can_i_help/
I was married there Christmas 2006. My family loved the building and the service from Roy Woodhams. My 2 young sons were both christened there too. It’s devastating to see such a beautiful, historic building destroyed but we are strong. Fleet will, as always, come together and make the best of this. Love and prayers Ange xxx
Dear friends
We have been following the news of the terrible fire in All Saints Church. Thank you to Jennette Wickes for letting us know about it. We are both devastated, both at the loss of such a beautiful building, but also for all of you who are so closely involved with the church there. We are weeping tears of grief for you all and share the terrible pain you must all be feeling right now.
We may not be great at keeping in touch regularly, but rest assured you are always very much in our hearts . Our 6 years in Fleet were probably the happiest years of our life, and the people in All Saints and P&J will always be very dear to us. To think of you all having to deal with this dreadful tragedy makes us want to get in the car and drive over to Fleet to be with you all. Sadly that is not possible right now, but be sure that you are very much in our prayers. Hoping to see you very soon though.
Yours with heartfelt affection and prayers,
Jan & Peter x
ps. a little thought which has sustained me through many difficult times:
“Nothing is ever wasted within the economy of God”.
Time and again I have found this to be true, and I’m sure you will too in the months and years to come. Jan
I remember being very impressed by the stained glass windows when I first went into the church in 1952 when I was 5! I remember Sunday School led by Mrs Waite and Sister Barham. I have lots of memories of services, some led by my father John Evans. Recently I have attended a few services and concerts in the church because my youngest brother now lives in Fleet.
You are in my prayers as you plan for the future.
So sad about this dreadful fire. My children Amy (23) & Ashleigh (17) were christened in All Saints. The pictures at the font adorn my house in Hook. It must be returned to its former glory.
I have so many happy memories of my time as a member of the church at All Saints – in particular singing in the choir; being involved with the Junior Church; my godson Harry’s baptism and my friend Malcolm’s wedding. It was with immense sadness and shock that I heard the news yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. You are an amazing community and I know that our awesome God is with you and is pouring out his love and comfort on you all at this time. With much love, Liz xx
For three generations this was our church and my grandmother was buried there in 1921 when my mother was 2. My mother and her 3 children were all baptised, confirmed by the Bishop and we were all married there. The church is its people and no doubt the church building will rise from the ashes and be stronger than ever. God please help those who are so distressed by this disaster.
I was very shocked to see the news tonight, and feel for you all. I know I would be devastated if our church was damaged, especially if it was done deliberately. Your loss is our loss too, and you are held in my prayers.
P.W., Southampton
My father was a chorister at All Saints and had a chair dedicated to his memory. I was married there in 1966 by Canon Colin Deedes, my two sons were christened there and my parents had their funerals there. So many memories, such a sad loss, a unique Victorian church.
Bill, Linda Wood and Family
As a family we worshipped in All Saints for 23years where my wife, son and daughter sang in the choir. We are all utterly devastated at the news. It was our second home but the shell is still there and we know that in time the church will be rebuilt with God’s help and guidance. All the clergy and congregation are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Hello – I came here after reading about the incident on the Telegraph website. Wanton destruction of a beautiful building and place of worship. God bless.
Elizabeth Richards (Taylor).
Lived in Fleet for 21 years from 1964. I was surprised how upset I was when I read this terribly sad news. Like others on here I sang in the choir, got confirmed, got married, had my daughter christened and also my father’s burial service at this church. Also attended many friend’s weddings. I sincerely hope it can be rebuilt.
I am so sad about what has happened to All Saints Church . I have fond memories as a child attending the church with my school,St Nicks. I was also confirmed there over 20 years ago. More recently i got married there and i attend both All Saints and P and J on a sunday. Such a beautiful church with so many memories . I really hope it can be rebuilt in the future and with Gods guidance it will x x
Fiona and Hugh
We were shocked and devastated to hear about this terrible fire. We were deeply involved with All Saints church for many years before we moved to Salisbury. Our five children were born in Fleet christened in the church and we were part of church life. Most sadly our little daughter Lucy’s funeral was at this church and is buried in Fleet – the church has been our spiritual home.
We know that you will find the strength and inspiration to rebuild but this does not take away what is lost and grief comes before renewal.
Was the remembrance book lost in the fire? Is there any way of recreating it.
We send you our love and prayers.
Xx
Fiona and Hugh
Thank you.
We are very sorry that the Remembrance Book was not rescued from the Church and must be presumed lost in the fire. It is obviously a record of those who have worshipped in the church over 150 years and a vital link to the present in memory of them.
However the parish has already received a very generous offer of a new Remembrance Book and to cover the cost of having it written up.
So sorry to hear the news about the Church. I worked in Fleet for many years and have friends there. May God use this sad event to build you all up strong and sure in the Faith, knowing that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. May you have the grace, too, to forgive those who did this. Be assured that many will be praying for you.
We currently live in New Hampshire USA but did live in Fleet before moving. We just wanted to say that we are really saddened by what has happened and are thinking of the community at this time.
All our love and prayers from Ros. Ken. Laura and Jenny and everyone in The Lenborough Benefice. we will be holding you in our prayers at all the churches this Sunday. Such a shock to see it on the news.
So many memories of our life in fleet.So many wonderful people and friends, of taking services in the church, of laughter and and the touch of God in the lives of so many
Easter Sunday follows Good Friday. Our Gracious and Almighty God will give you strength and comfort and everything you need to continue to build the Kingdom of God In Fleet.
Poignant to see the font , but what a wonderful symbol of rebirth and renewal,
I know it is going to be a long road. and sometimes hard but you will Arise!
Circle you O God
keep hope within
despair without
Circle you O God
keep peace within
and turmoil without.
circle you O God
keep calm within
and storms without.
Circle you O God
keep strength with in
and weakness without
Arise today
througha mighty strength,
the invocation of the trinity.
Ros , Ken, Laura and Jenny
Former curate
God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform. Whatever the cause of this sad event there will be within it the seeds of resurrection to a new life. While mourning the loss of such beauty and cherishing the memories of the past, you have in Fr Mark a priest of vision who will surely lead his people to a new home in which the old will be a firm spiritual foundation for future life within the family of God’s people.
Prayers and love will surely go out to you from the Trinity Benefice in Folkestone at this challenging time.
We have so many memories associated with the Church over the years. My Grandparents, Parents, Aunts, Sisters and myself were all married there, we were Christened and Confirmed there. We had both my parents’ funerals there and their ashes are in the Memorial Garden. My parents were both Church Wardens, my mother being the first ‘lady Church Warden’. She was also responsible for the Church flowers for very many years. The kneelers were another of her projects, She co-ordinated the making of them (making quite a few herself) and then storing in our house, gradually taking over most of the rooms! We wonder if any survived?
Such a sad time.
Sue Sanders (Dundas)
Terribly sad to hear such sad news. I was the photographer that shot the last wedding there (20th June 15). Thinking of all of you at All Saints. It was a stunning place and one of my favourite places.
Like so many others, I too have many memories associated with the Church – commencing when my grandparent’s retired from India to Fleet in the late 1940’s and were regular church goers. My grandparents funerals and my parent’s funerals were there. I sang in the choir there, was confirmed there and later married there. My children were baptised there and my daughter was married there. My granddaughter was baptised there and my second granddaughter was due to be baptised there in November……….
Such a sad time. My thoughts go out to all those so immediately affected by this devastating fire.
I was shocked & saddened to hear about the devastating fire at All Saints, my aunt’s church for many years. She was Helen Knapman, whose funeral was held in your beautiful church some years ago. I remember the warmth of the congregation on that occasion & I’m so sorry you have all suffered this tragedy. However, I’m sure you will restore All Saints to its former glory in due course, & I wish you all well in the coming months as you begin the challenging task.
May God bless you & help you, every step of the way.
Jan Clarke ( Worthing )
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the All Saints family. We are sure everyone will rally round to help; and if there is anything we can do, please let us know. We know you will find the strength to rebuild.
Dogmersfield C E (A) Primary School
Utterly devestated by the destruction. Although I’m not a regular attendee of the services I used to enjoy the peace and tranquility and the open door policy that the church offered. As a keen photographer I have a wonderful bank of quiet solitude images of the interior. These now contrast with the stark shell that is left and make a very poignant statement.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the fire at All Saints and to see the photographs. I was struck by the photograph of the interior, where the font still stands in the midst of the devastation, with the cross clearly visible. This seems poignantly symbolic. Jesus said he would build his church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Nothing can destroy the power of the cross of Jesus to bring healing in any situation. I pray for strength and healing for the church family as you rebuild.
I was greatly privileged to take the funeral of my dear sister Anne Parker-Ashley at All Saints in October 2011. Whilst the roof may have been burned, my lasting memory will be of the Hallelujah Chorus played at full volume, raising the roof in tribute to Anne’s life and to the glory of God, as the service ended.
I was utterly devestated on Monday when hearing and seeing what happened. I have lived in Fleet all my life I went to All Saints School so visited the church a lot I was christened in All Saints church, got married there on 23 June 2001 and both my children were Christened there too! My second child was born in 2007 with Down Syndrome and the church congregation at the time played a massive part in our lives by praying for him as he was a very poorly boy and had to undergo open heart surgery! This ignited my Faith and there is no doubt in my mind that they were life saving prayers! I want to thank you for being an amazing church family. Sending love and prayers.
Cherie Foster
From F.H. Browne & Son’s (Organ Builders) Ltd, Canterbury.
We were all shocked & deeply saddened by the news of the devastating fire at All Saint’s in Fleet.
During both routine tuning & maintenance, and also the longer organ restoration contracts, we get to know both a building and the folk who cherish the sacred space, and worship within its doors.
We are all caretakers & guardians of the wonderful heritage that constitute both religious, social and political history within our Parish
Churches.
All Saints in Fleet deserves to ‘rise from the ashes’; to inspire generations to come and to be a witness to the past.
Let us pray to God that this will happen.