MEMBERS of a Forest congregation celebrated a huge milestone in their church’s history this month by posing for a group photograph - 200 years to the day since the church was consecrated.

The congregation at St Paul’s in Parkend are set to mark the church’s bicentenary in 2022 with a series of events throughout the summer.

And following a service on Sunday, May 2, members of the church got together to pose for a photograph to kick off the celebrations.

The photo will now be be displayed inside the church as a reminder of the momentous anniversary for future generations.

The historic St Paul’s Church, located off Yorkley Road in the village, was officially consecrated on May 2, 1822.

The church was designed by its first incumbent, Henry Poole, and has played a key part in the lives of residents of Parkend and the wider Forest in the 200 years since.

Rev. Poole was a curate at Newland when he issued an appeal for public aid towards the erection of a church and school-house in Parkend.

His appeal was successful and St Paul’s was built on a piece of ground called Mason’s Tump by Richard James in 1820-22, under the supervision of Poole who, before his ordination, had experience in architecture in Bristol.

The church’s reredos, which includes a painting of Christ flanked by the Commandments, is thought to be an original fitting of 1822.

Rev. Poole was the first Vicar of Parkend, and remained so until his death in 1857.

He lies buried in the churchyard just outside the vestry window.

Today, as well as being a place of worship for its loyal congregation, the church regularly plays host to the Royal Forest of Dean Orchestra, including their recent concert to raise funds for Save the Children’s Ukraine Appeal.

The events organised to celebrate ‘Parkend 200’ include a Flower Festival in June, a concert by the Royal Forest of Dean Orchestra in July and a History Weekend in August, at which old parish registers will be available to view.

For more information about the church, go to www.parkendandvineyhillchurches.org.uk/St.Paul’s.html.