An altar with a story to tell '“ Rev Jenny GAFFIN, the vicar of Hayling Island

By The Newsroom
Published 31st Oct 2018, 16:00 BST
Updated 1st Nov 2018, 08:48 BST
Boat-builder Derek Abra shows the altar he made in his workshop to the vicar of Hayling Island, the Rev Jenny GaffinBoat-builder Derek Abra shows the altar he made in his workshop to the vicar of Hayling Island, the Rev Jenny Gaffin
Boat-builder Derek Abra shows the altar he made in his workshop to the vicar of Hayling Island, the Rev Jenny Gaffin
You may need to have your sea legs when you worship at St Andrew's in Hayling  '“ our altar and font are now shaped like the bow and stern of a wooden boat.

A brand new altar was created for us by local boat-builders to match the existing font, and it was launched ceremonially the other day with a mock bottle of champagne. It will be formally dedicated on November 29 by the Bishop of Southampton.

The idea came from the congregation who thought a boat-shaped altar was appropriate for a coastal parish, and would complete the sense of being afloat. The sides of the altar are curved and hollow, and its surfaces varnished, to complete the nautical feel.

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