Peter & St. Paul Temple Ewell, in the deanery of Dover. We are committed to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and serving the community. SAFEGUARDING
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) Sunday 23rd July 2023. In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy the Benefice of Temple Ewell and Lydden is committed to:
• Promoting a safer environment
and culture.
• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
• Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
• Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others. The Parish of Temple Ewell and Lydden will:
• Create a safe and caring place for all.
• Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
• Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
• Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
• Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
• Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
• Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
• Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
• Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
• Ensure that Health and Safety Policy, procedures and Risk Assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
• Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually. Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church. This church appoints Alison Worton as the Parish Safeguarding Officer. Date: 23rd July 2023
Alison Worton 01304 824152
Our Parish Priest: Revd. Ian Parrish 01304 279673 [email protected]
Diocesan Safeguarding Advisors: Fiona Coombs 07548 232395 and Paul Brightwell 07398 009951
Churchwardens: Dr Judith Shilling, Liz Waller and John Glass
CHURCH HISTORY
Although it is possible that the Saxons were the first to build a heathen church, over 800 years ago the first Christian church was built in Temple Ewell. In the Doomsday survey of 1086 reference was made to a small wooden church, but our present church was founded by the Knights Templars in the 12th Century. We still have the north and south walls, the Roman archway and the 8-pointed Templars' cross. The first recorded vicar was John Sacardos, under the patronage of the Master of the Temple in 1185. The Templars remained until 1312 and a number of alterations were made after that. The North Chapel was built and a hundred years later the Tower Arch and the Tower itself. Money was bequeathed in subsequent years to buy and maintain a church Bell and the bell we hear today bears the inscription 'in the year of our Lord 1603, Joseph Hatch made me'. Through the passing centuries Temple Ewell church has remained in almost constant use. However, in the 19th century it fell into sad disrepair. The North Chapel was being used as a cowshed and when the cows were driven out it was used as a village school. Only the determination of the Reverend John Turnbull, in setting up a public subscription for repairs, saved the church from possible ruin. Amongst the many improvements was the installation of the present organ, which came from St. Mary's church in Dover. In what was virtually a rebuild of large parts of the building, the church does still retain its medieval character. In 1875 a Thanksgiving service was held for its restoration. In 1888 the 17th Century Swiss glass was installed in the Chancel and North Chapel windows. The stained glass window above the alter was put in after the 2nd World War, as the original had been destroyed when a shell landed in the playing field nearby. In 1988 a second Thanksgiving service was held which included a Pageant illustrating various historic episodes of Temple Ewell church since its foundation. Fittingly, taking part in this were the present day representatives of the Knights Templar Order from Thanet, who have once again established links with the church, which their predecessors built over seven centuries ago.
1988 -2001 As part of the village Millennium celebrations, The Lady Chapel, which had been used as a social area, was refurbished with monies bequeathed by villagers. It has been said that the history of England has been written in her ancient churches and this is certainly true of St Peter and St Paul church at Temple Ewell.
