NEW burial plots were consecrated by the Bishop of Worcester near Kidderminster in his first live service since the coronavirus lockdown.
Land at the rear of St Cassian's Church in Chaddesley Corbett was declared sacred by Rt Rev Dr John Inge on Tuesday (June 16).
The consecration ceremony was attended by Rev Robert Legge, the new team rector Rev David Hildred, church warden Susie Smith, parish council sexton Lynn Jeffs and parish clerk Yvonne Scriven.
The 0.5 hectares of land, owned by Chaddesley Corbett Parish Council, will provide a further 125 burial plots.
During the service, Bishop John walked around the extension area, stopping at intervals to mark the ground with a cross and give a blessing.
The bishop told those present that it was the first live service he had conducted since lockdown began in March.
Bishop John and the two priests then visited St Cassian’s Church to view the arrangements made for opening the church for private prayer.
As of Monday this week, churches, mosques and other places of worship in England were given the green light to reopen for private prayer.
Under government guidelines, individuals are able to "reflect and pray" while adhering to social distancing rules, however prayer groups and weddings are yet to be permitted.
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