Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2013 | Page 43

FEATURE
dated from 1694, a good example of
sensible recycling before it became
fashionable. Even though it was built
in 1908, St. Agnes has the feeling
of warmth and welcome that is the
characteristic of much more modern
churches.
Inside there is a feeling of space
and simple dignity. Over the period
of its life the inside of the church
has barely changed. One significant
change however is the Chancel
Screen. It was carved by the Revd
T.G. Devitt, who was curate from
1942 to 1946. It is a remarkable
piece of work and worth looking at
carefully. There is further carving at
the altar end of the church.
Originally the church was lit by
gas lamps but they have long since
been replaced by electric light. But
one can imagine the rather charming
light that would have reflected
around the interior of the church.
The first organ was originally hand
pumped; today there is a splendid

modern Dutch one, but its console
is completely in-keeping with its
surroundings.
The church is named after the
Roman martyr Agnes. This is an
inspiring choice because Agnes was
executed at the age of 12 or 13 for
refusing to deny her Christian faith.
She is, among other things, the
patron saint of gardeners, girls, and
engaged couples – this last being
particularly appropriate because
in 2000 the church was granted a
licence for weddings.
The beginning of the 20th Century
was a time when Britain was a
vibrant and outward looking nation.
The building of a new church
represented a confident and powerful
investment in the community by the
parish and the Bishop of the day.
Now, 105 years later the church feels
as though that confidence was amply
justified.

(With thanks and
acknowledgement to St. Agnes’
Church, Freshwater, A Brief
History by Roy Burton; and
Nikolaus Pevsner’s The Buildings
of England – Isle of Wight.)

Pictures by Laura Boynton

www.visitislandlife.com

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