The flames of Pentecost in Dulwich

With amazing resilience, parishioners at All Saints, West Dulwich managed a 'garden-party' atmosphere on Pentecost Sunday, 11 June, as they celebrated the 10am Eucharist in the Vicarage garden.

On 9 June the nation's TV screens showed pictures of the gutted All Saints Church, ravaged by fire earlier that day. The roof was destroyed completely and the inside of the Grade 1 listed Victorian church was reduced to ashes - anything rescued was regarded as a plus. The large crypt where many community activities take place was less damaged.

Area Bishop, the Rt Rev Peter Price, who visited later in the morning described the fire as "a terrible blow to the community which has very strong links with All Saints Church. The Vicar Robert Titley has worked extremely hard to build a good relationship and a number of community activities."

On the Sunday, the Parish Eucharist was held in front of TV news cameras in the Vicarage upper garden which says Robert Titley "with amazing foresight a previous Vicar had laid out in the shape of a church". Being Pentecost "the irony of visitation by fire was lost on no-one" says Robert.

In the evening a full choral evensong was celebrated in the neighbouring church of St Barnabas, Dulwich.

Until further notice weekday services will take place at the Vicarage. Sunday's 10am Eucharist will be celebrated at the nearby Rosendale School - and St Barnabas will carry on hosting their Evensong.

"We would value your prayers" added Robert Titley.

The parish web-site www.all-saints.org.uk and a new information phone line are being used to keep people up-to-date.

The Eucharist in the Vicarage garden