Paul Parish Church has been making a real effort to open its doors to the community after successfully receiving emergency funding from the Diocese of Truro to help them heat the church throughout the winter.

There were worries the historic church, also know as the Church of St Pol de Léon and which can trace its origins back to 490AD, might have to shut due to the massive cost of heating the building.

But the community have rallied around and, thanks to the funding grant, they have made the church a warm space for the community.

“I’m happy to report that things are going well,” said churchwarden Judith Byrne.

Paul’s ‘Never Alone’ initiative includes keeping the church open to local people and visitors through daylight hours. 

On Wednesdays they run coffee mornings. These are increasingly popular and vibrant social events, making the time-worn stones of the ancient church echo and buzz with happy, friendly chatter. 

At half-term, they’ll also be offering a holiday play scheme, providing a nutritious meal along with fun and educational activities each day. 

One of their most popular events is a weekly lunch club, which meets every Monday. The logistics of this enterprise might have daunted lesser mortals. 

“We have a rota of four teams of four who cook a two-course meal for the members,” Judith explained. “Two other volunteers carry out the front of house activities. We send meals out to members who are unable to attend due to sickness and we provide transport to the club if needed.”

They currently supply around 35 meals each week, and are looking at ways of extending this provision, including the possibility of regular takeaway and delivery options. They’ve also planned a series of activities throughout the year to engage with the wider community in and beyond their parish. 

“We’re trying to ensure that these events appeal to a wide age range,” Judith said. 

“Around Easter we’re planning an afternoon tea and an Easter egg hunt in our Quiet Garden. This may appeal to grandparents, parents and children. Later in the summer there’s a barbecue and a treasure hunt.” 

The Quiet Garden at Paul affords stunning views across the bay to Marazion and St Michael’s Mount, and is worth a visit at any time of year. The parish of Paul is part the Penlee Cluster of Churches, which stretches to Newlyn and Penzance. 

The cluster’s Reverend Sian Yates doesn’t like to distinguish between church and community, but sees both as forming a living, organic whole. 

“We do things in the community and it’s not all about proselytization,” she said.  

It is said that a Welsh saint called Paul Aurelian founded a worshipping community on the site as far back as 490 AD. The current medieval church had been burnt down in August 1595 during the Spanish raid on Mount’s Bay, but was swiftly rebuilt.