THE Proprietary Chapel of St Luke, at Posbury, was virtually full to capacity on Sunday, June 18 for the service of celebration and dedication for the recent work that has been completed.

Canon Michael Hall lead the service and gave thanks for the work that has been carried out since the church temporarily closed after Easter.

Fiona Mortimer, Chairman of the Committee explained to the congregation that a great deal of work had been carried out to preserve the church for future generations.

This included installation of damp-proof membrane and underfloor ventilation, as well as replacement of the floor and internal re-decoration.

She thanked everyone who had contributed to enable the work to be completed through legacies, gifts and fundraising, including Devon Historic Churches Trust who had supported the work with a grant of £4,000.

Fiona added: “The Trustees and Committee want to ensure that the Chapel is available for all members of the communities for future generations.”

Amongst the congregation were Cllr Peter Heal, Chairman of Mid Devon District Council, Paul Holmes from Devon Historic Churches Trust, Governors and Churchwardens from Holy Cross Church in Crediton, Councillors from Crediton Hamlets Parish Council and members of other churches in the benefice.

Shaun Davey represented A R Davey of Crediton who were the main contractors.

After the service the congregation had the opportunity to chat and look around the building whilst enjoying drinks and canapés.

Work is ongoing at the Chapel to complete the renovation of the vestry, and the committee hope to be in a position to install radiators by the autumn.

To help fund the further works that are required the Committee has organised an excursion by boat along the Jurassic Coast on July 9, leaving from Exmouth Docks at 10.30am.

Tickets are £20 each and must be booked in advance from Dr Richard Scrivener (01647 24298).

More details are available on the Chapel’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/posbury .

St Luke’s can be found to the south of Crediton, surrounded by farmland and countryside, with far reaching panoramic views.

Regular services are held at 11am on the first and third Sunday of each month, and all are welcome to attend.

The Committee is keen that the church is used by members of the community, especially for weddings and baptisms. Enquiries should be made to Rev Preb Nigel Guthrie.