St Peter’s Church is the parish church of Oundle (a market town in Northamptonshire). It is a much loved and very beautiful building which is also used by the community of Oundle for a wide variety of functions. It is part of everyone’s heritage as well as being a well used building in the heart of Oundle.
The Friends of Oundle Parish Church (FOPC) was formed in 1983 to help safeguard and maintain St Peter’s Church by raising and establishing funds to preserve, improve, update and enhance the fabric and fittings of the building.
How did the Friends of Oundle Parish Church come into being?
The Friends are a charity that was formed in 1983 as it was becoming increasingly clear that contingency funds were needed to meet the unpredictably large costs of building repairs and for projects such as heating and lighting.
The Friends aim to give financial help but only in the areas of helping to maintain and enhance the church as a building. With this aim enshrined in their constitution a platform has been created for encouraging everyone in Oundle – whether or not they are a churchgoer – to take an active part in contributing towards the preservation of the church as a building.
All that is required is an awareness and appreciation of our precious heritage.
Although we often apply our funds in collaboration with or through others, FOPC is a separate charity which makes our decisions independently from the Church.
Why is preserving the church as a building so important?
The Parish Church’s steeple is seen for miles around and it is a powerful symbol, right in the centre of Oundle, of a priceless historical treasure both architecturally and as a place of worship.
The building has also become a central part of so many aspects of the local community’s everyday life: not only is it used for worship but it lends itself readily to occasions such as concerts, art exhibitions, talks, charity sales, wine tastings and barn dances.
Who are the Friends?
Anyone can become a Friend. You don’t need to attend the church, you just need to be interested in its preservation and use by the community, and want to help.
Are you interested in becoming a Friend of Oundle Parish Church? FIND OUT MORE HERE.
Some pictures of our church
