The Ascension
Church of the Ascension was given by Harriet, Countess of Shaftesbury, in memory of her husband, Anthony, the 8th Earl and was dedicated in 1892. It was designed by the prolific church architect G F Bodley. The Reverend Charles Frederick Cooper Knapp was parish priest for most of the church’s first fifty years. He painted some murals on the walls and is responsible for much of the furnishing and ornamentation. Inside it not only has elaborate High Church fittings, but also is unusual because it was designed by Bodley to have two naves.
There is a massive Saxon/Norman font which, according to tradition, was used at Knowlton church (a henge church two miles to the west) and moreover was said, according to tradition, to have been used for baptisms by Saint Aldhelm.
The Church of the Ascension hosts its share of the Benefice Sunday, mid-week and festival services including Ascension Day, forty days after Easter Sunday, when the parishes of the Circle Benefice gather here to celebrate. The service begins with a procession, includes a visiting preacher, and is followed by a social gathering with cheese and wine.
Stations of the Cross. Our parish church has a series of the Stations of the Cross. These fourteen pictures illustrate the way of the Cross, from Christ’s condemnation to death to his burial. A simple service of prayer and meditation following the story is held on Friday evenings in Lent.
Every Wednesday at 10am at The Ascension, Woodlands.
Said service of Holy Communion
Please consider supporting the work of our Parish through regular giving or a one-off donation
Church Wardens
Tracey and Rob Black 01202823875
If you would like to get in touch with the Benefice Administrator, please email admin@kcb.org.uk
Copyright © Knowlton Circle Benefice 2022
