St Mary's Church Elsenham Celebrates its 900th Anniversary With a Free Jazz Picnic Concert Featuring 'JAZZ BOMB'!!

ELSENHAM, England, June 24, 2010 - Throughout 2010, the beautiful Early Norman Church of St. Mary the Virgin
is celebrating 900 Years of continued Christian worship in the village of
Elsenham, Essex.

This fine much loved Grade 1 listed building of St Mary's Church is
believed to have been completed in 1110. It has many original features
including:

    - the arch of Roman tiles used above the main doorway into the church.

    - the coffin-lid of a Knight Templar used as the internal lintel of the
      main doorway.

    - the roundel of original stained glass from the 15th century, depicting
      a leopard's face.

    - the unusual double stone piscinae for the Priest to wash the communion
      vessels, set under a double arch of beautiful early English dog-tooth
      moulding.

    - the hagioscope or squint in the chancel wall to allow parishioners to
      see the sacraments at the celebration of mass.

    - the hand cut star and chevron designs of the beautiful chancel arch.

There have been 56 incumbents recorded at Elsenham Church.

In 1141 Richardus Presbiter-de-Elsenham to Vicar Gary Townsend instituted
in 2010.

Throughout 2010, a series of celebrations is taking place to mark the
900th anniversary.

                 A Free Jazz Picnic Concert, Saturday 26th June

                   Featuring 'JAZZ BOMB' & short gospel talk.

             At ELSENHAM VILLAGE PLAYING FIELD Gates open at 7.15pm
                            Concerts starts 8pm.

         Bring your own picnics, rugs and chairs for a relaxing summers
                         evening. No glasses please.

         A Medieval Day at St Mary's Church, 14th August 2010 2pm - 6pm.

Attractions and activities will include the following: guided tours of
the church, a visit by a 'royal' personage, stalls, children's activities,
refreshments and a hog roast.

Continued future celebrations are planned for every month of the year to
include:

    - in October, a Talk given by historian Gordon Barker of St Mary's
      ancient history.

    - on 4th & 5th December, the Christmas Tree Festival will be held in St
      Mary's church.

CONTACT: Dub Gannon Assistant Minister Church Office +44(0)1279-850805

CONTACT: Barbara James-Gillespie 900th Anniversary Committee +44(0)7905925796; CONTACT: Dub Gannon Assistant Minister Church Office +44(0)1279-850805