A Suffolk church at the heart of the community it serves has become a Minster after three days of celebrations to mark the rare event.
The church of St Mary le Tower is now known as Ipswich Minster following a service led by Bishop Martin today. (Sunday 19 January).
The status of Minster is an honorific title bestowed on major churches of regional significance in the Church of England, to reflect their importance and contribution to the local communities they serve.
A service was held to round off three days’ of celebration in Ipswich where hundreds of people enjoyed tours of the church, and entertainment performed for the occasion with the choir of Ipswich Minster as well as local from students of local schools. Workshops for singing and bell ringing also featured in the celebrations.
Bishop Martin said: ‘‘This was an historic moment not just for the Ipswich community but for the diocese as a whole in Suffolk and it was the highlight of a weekend of events enjoyed by so many people. They explored this beautiful church, and engaged in a wide variety of events, becoming part of this historic official redesignation of the church. The redesignation strengthens the church’s desire to serve the town and play an important role in the lives of all who live, work and visit here. We will serve the people of Ipswich, listen to their needs and help them to face the challenges of daily life in a busy modern world."
He added the new status coincided with this year’s 825th anniversary of the granting of the Town Charter in the churchyard.
The church has a wide-reaching role in the community. It is open daily to provide a warm space and hosts services for charities and community groups. There is a weekly Top-up shop and free community café, music workshops for young children and a choir with up to 40 people under the age of 18 who have sung live on the BBC.
The church and other partners organised an asylum seeker day centre for a year while the Novotel was open and has a Christmas Tree Festival to raise money for charity.
Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, said: “This is an historic day, a proud, unifying and celebratory moment for everyone in our great town. St Mary le Tower has stood at the heart of Ipswich for 1,000 years, and its designation as Minster starts a significant new chapter in our story"
Mayor of Ipswich Councillor Elango Elavalakan said: “As the Mayor of Ipswich, it is a privilege to be part of such a historic event for both our civic church and the town. In 1200, the Borough of Ipswich came into being in the churchyard by the declaration of the granting of a Royal Charter by King John. Over the centuries, St Mary le Tower has been at the heart of Ipswich’s spiritual, civic and community life. It’s designation as a Minster not only reflects the rich heritage of our past but also brightens the town’s future."
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: “The 825th anniversary of Ipswich being granted its Royal Charter will be marked by many celebrations, starting with the re-designation of St Mary le Tower church as Ipswich Minster. It’s a place that provides a focus not only for hosting our civic services but also in responding to the spiritual and social needs of those living and working in the town centre, as well as visitors to Ipswich. The creation of a Minster is a rare and special honour, and something everyone in Suffolk’s county town can be rightly proud of."
The Revd Tom Mumford, vicar of Ipswich Minster, said: ‘‘I firmly believe that in hundreds of years when people write a new history of Ipswich, this event will be in it. It is a reaffirmation of the church's vocation to serve the town; becoming a minster is about service, not status. But I hope too it will be another reason and opportunity for Ipswich to reestablish a sense of pride in itself - a renewal of a vision of Ipswich as a place of hope, of opportunity, a place to live, work, grow and flourish, whoever you are.”
Bishop Martin took the decision to confer the status following a request from civic leaders.
In the last three decades, only 15 churches have been granted this designation and there are just 31 in total within England.
You can listen to Tom Mumford speak on BBC Radio Suffolk about the momentous occasion here, at timestamp 1:40:00.
You can also read the BBC article about the Minster here.