Delight as churches open their doors for Easter
Churches and chapels across Shropshire were able to held Easter services on Sunday, some opening their doors for the first time since lockdown.
Members of congregations had to wear masks and the playing of hymns on the organ replaced the usual Easter hymn singing.
The Abbey in Shrewsbury was open for only its second service this year and will now resume Sunday services.
Vicar of Holy Cross parish, which includes the Abbey, Reverend Dr Tom Atfield said that thanks to the relaxing of restrictions last week, the service was able to include a small number of choristers singing, socially distanced in the choir stall.
"People were delighted to be back at a service, which although heavily adapted, was still able to convey the joy of Easter," he said.
"We have been able to be open for private prayer but it was wonderful to hold a public act of worship.
"It has been an astonishingly hard year for so many people and there were very happy to come to church to find some peace."
The Abbey held a morning Easter service with churchgoers having to sit in socially distanced pews
All Saints in Wellington opened its doors for the first time at the weekend. It included a churchyard service on Good Friday but other services in the building including communion on Easter Sunday. Members of the congregation also decorated the cross in the churchyard with flowers.
Vicar of All Saints, Reverend Tim Carter, said that following the Easter services, Sunday services would continue weekly at All Saints with, like other churches, people having to book their place in advance.
"With the gradual reduction in lockdown regulations, and the opening up of some venues, we have taken the decision to restart in person worship services," he said.
"Sadly, we will not be able to sing together at our services yet."
He said services would continue to be streamed live on the internet.
