A NEW interpretative centre at St Just in Roseland Church opened on Thursday in the presence of the High Sheriff of Cornwall, Sam Galsworthy, and The Rt Revd Hugh Nelson, Bishop of St Germans and acting Bishop of Truro.
Renowned poet laureate John Betjeman famously described St Just in Roseland as "for some the most beautiful churchyard on earth”, and the new centre invites everyone to explore the captivating history, heritage and natural beauty of both the Grade I listed church and its stunning tropical gardens.
One of Cornwall’s most visited sacred sites, there has been a place of worship at St Just in Roseland since 550 AD. Its heritage encompasses myth and legend – the young Jesus and his uncle, Joseph of Arimathea, are reputed to have come ashore here to to seek shelter from stormy conditions at sea – as well as entrepreneurial Cornish horticulturalists, a wealth of wildlife and the Cornish language.
All these elements are presented in fresh and innovative ways, including a huge interactive map with peep holes, tumblers and sound cups to help visitors young and old explore the site.
The path from the road to the church is lined with 55 granite stones carved with Bible verses, and a new stone was placed by the holy well and blessed to mark the opening of the centre.
Andrew Prince, treasurer of St Just in Roseland Parochial Church Council (PCC) and project lead, said: “There’s something very special about the church and gardens. It’s steeped in history and the prayers of saints down the ages.
“We want to invite everyone to escape the pressures of everyday life and experience the peace and beauty of this wonderful place.
“It’s been a real community effort. Local volunteers have contributed their time, creativity, reminiscences, photos and stories.”
The current church was dedicated by Walter, Bishop of Exeter on August 14, 1261, and the chancel dates from this time. Aided by entrepreneurial Cornish plant hunter John Garland Treseder, a 19th-century rector introduced tropical plants to the hillside gardens; the combination of the beautiful flora and the picturesque creekside setting have made the church popular with tourists.
The new centre has been designed with sustainability in mind, using solar and air-source for heating and a sedum roof to help the new building blend into the hillside. Renwicks Café has also been extended, offering a range of freshly cooked meals and home-baked cakes.
The South West Coast Path passes through the property, enabling walks along the River Fal to St Mawes.
Mr Prince continued: “We are extremely grateful to Cornwall Council and the Good Growth Fund that has provided the majority of the funding to enable this exciting new centre to be built.”
The centre will be open at weekends until April 5, then daily from 10am until 4pm in winter and 5pm in summer. There is no charge for entry, but all donations will go towards the continued upkeep of this beautiful place. Dogs are welcome. For further details, visit www.stjustandstmawes.org.uk