By Jen Green

EXPERIMENTAL changes to the layout of St Mary's Church, in Tenbury, have "desecrated" its Lady Chapel, according to a horrified long-standing member of the Parochial Church Council.

Malcolm Lewis, who has worshipped at the church for 28 years, also says the alterations have resulted in a lot of "pushing, shoving and a lack of dignity at parish Eucharist".

He has been backed by fellow worshipper and former PCC member Betty Buffy, who claimed not to understand the "muddled thinking" behind the changes which ignored older worshippers.

However, the Rector, Alan Jevons, says the move is all part of an experimental trial and came about as part of a democratic process with the PCC.

Now the trial, which has seen the high altar brought to the front of choir stalls and the Lady Chapel moved into the sanctuary below the east window, is due to continue for another six months.

Mr Lewis, a PCC member for 25 years said: "I'm not adverse to having a nave altar, but the high altar was purpose-built for the east of the church and parish Eucharist lacks dignity now that there is a lot of pushing and shoving. "When I walked into church I was horrified to see the Lady Chapel made into a children's area. I felt it had been desecrated."

Betty Buffy, from St. Mary's Close, said she was disappointed and saddened, adding: "I cannot understand the reasoning of the PCC. This is muddled thinking which ignores older worshippers."

Generations of her family have worshipped at St Mary's and, like Betty, have also served on the PCC.

"The high altar is now wedged between the choir stalls and the lectern and it's a bit of scramble at Holy Communion," she said.

"The Lady Chapel, previously on the flat, means that people with difficulty in walking have to negotiate a longer, awkward way round. The peaceful atmosphere for private prayer has also gone."

However, the Rector Alan Jevons insisted: "It has been a democratic process by the PCC and any permanent changes will need a faculty, a legal document, to make it permanent.

"The high altar can now be seen by two thirds of the congregation and, like in cathedrals, the sanctuary is the right place for the Lady Chapel."

He continued: "A consultation period for people to raise their worries received only six letters, four against the proposals and two for, which I believe shows that the majority of people want the change."

PCC member Jean Picton pointed out that the alterations were not fixed. "We are trying the new layout for six months," she explained. "We hope to gather people's reactions before making a more permanent decision."

Diocesan press officer Annie Holden confirmed: "The Arch Deacon has approved a request for the trial to continue for a further six months.

"The decision made by the PPC was carried out in a proper manner as most of the churches in Herefordshire have a forward high altar and a Lady Chapel behind."