The historic Amberley Chapel was filled to capacity on Sunday 27th July as the Maund Group of Churches celebrated a significant milestone in the chapel's spiritual journey. The chapel, which is linked with Marden parish north of Hereford, was formally brought into the patronage of Saints Brigid and James during a joyous service bringing the community together in worship.
The special service of dedication featured a traditional procession, blessing with holy water, congregational singing, and prayers, concluding with Holy Communion and fellowship over refreshments. Members from across the Maund Group of parishes joined the Amberley congregation for this historic occasion, “seeing our churches come together to support Amberley Chapel was wonderful,” explains Father Bob Bates.
"It is an important step forward and shows the strength of fellowship within the Maund Group. The adoption of patron saints gives this special place a renewed sense of identity while honouring both its heritage and its role in our wider church family."
The chapel's journey to this dedication reflects a journey of determination and community spirit. Originally falling into disuse during the medieval period, leading to its merger with Marden parish, Amberley Chapel was lovingly restored in the 1860s by the owners of Amberley Court and subsequently gifted to the Diocese of Hereford. The building has now transitioned back to the care of the the Parochial Church Council who recognised an opportunity to establish patron saints who would reflect the chapel's unique character and community values.
“The selection process to find a patron was an active and lively debate. We narrowed it down to nine proposed saints based on local connections and community relevance.” Father Bob adds, “After the congregation cast their votes, there were two obvious patron saints, Brigid and James.” Saint Brigid, the Irish patron saint associated with livestock, dairy workers, poetry and blacksmithing, perfectly complements the chapel's farmstead setting and extensive equestrian business. Saint James the Great, whose feast day falls in late July and whose shrine in northern Spain draws countless Camino pilgrims, reflects the chapel's role as a welcome stop for walkers and its place on the parish's annual Rogation walk route each May.
The service featured hymns celebrating the saints and the newly adopted patrons, with a particularly special moment as the congregation heard "St Brigid's Song" by Irish songstress Dana, performed with her personal blessing. “She was very kind to reply to my email seeking permission to play the music and was delighted to hear that her song would be used during our service” adds Father Bob. Despite ongoing maintenance work requiring scaffolding, the chapel, its churchyard and interior were blessed with holy water in a ceremony that connected present celebration with centuries of faithful worship.
The dedication of Amberley Chapel under Saints Brigid and James represents more than a formal church service – it embodies the Maund Group's commitment to preserving the local heritage and building community connections. Working with all the parishes of the Maund Group demonstrates the vital role that shared worship and mutual support play in rural church life.
The Maund Group of Churches continues to serve communities north of Hereford through worship, pastoral care, and community activities that bring people together across parish boundaries. The newly dedicated Amberley Chapel will serve as both a place of worship and a symbol of how historic faith communities can adapt and thrive through fellowship and shared purpose.