The idea
All Saints Church has been serving our Parish, and the wider Bristol area, since 1380. Part of our current refurbishment project involves replacing the current victorian floor and reinstating the old stone floor to the pre-victorian level. We will use this opportunity to make sure the building will be suitable for use by the parish and the wider communities for many years to come, for example: through concerts, school trips, conferences, plays and other events.
We are installing an eco-friendly heating system with underfloor heating in the flagstones. But we can do more than just a bland stone floor - we would also like to include various designs and motifs to add to the look, feel, and spirit of the building, and help bring out the creative and spiritual nature of all those who use it. Inspiration is a big part of many people's lives and it is through art and community that we can help to inspire the next generation.
What we'll deliver
- Within our new stone floor, we want to include 12 designs to mark stations round the body of the church
- The West end will feature a labyrinth round the font and built into the stones.
Why it's a great idea
Floor designs have formed a part of Christian life for many years, and labyrinths became a part of the tradition when pilgrimage to the Holy Land became too dangerous. There are many well known examples of labyrinths in European cathedrals (such as Chartres) and now also in a growing number of churches in England. They can be inside or out, permanent or seasonal, but they all add to the beauty and atmosphere of the church and community. They also add to the prayerful nature of the church, providing a conceptual pilgrimage route for those who need it.
The church year is centred around principle events and holy days, and these are often depicted as a series of stages or stations which represent the journey towards the final goal and help to focus the mind to grasp the meaning behind the journey. Introduction of motifs into the floor to use as prayer stations will facilitate this during these times, and at other times will augment the beauty of the stone floor.
Steps to get it done
- The designs for the motifs will be produced by local artists.
- The motifs and labyrinth will be inlaid into the new stone floor as it is being laid, using a contrasting stone.
We extend our welcome to you by opening our church every day, and all are invited come and immerse themselves in the beauty and atmosphere of this ancient building.
