Paula J James
St Peter the Fisherman's Church, Marloes
he earliest reference to this church was in 1291 when it was referred to as “Ecclesia de Malros”. It is built in the form of a cross, with nave, two transepts and a chancel. Recently an architect wrote “This is a much more than usually attractive and interesting church, in spite of rather heavy internal Victorian restoration and the almost total absence of old fittings''.
As you enter the door, you will see to your right the Norman Font; the bowl is square with chamfered corners and the "cushion" style; the shaft and base are modern. Alongside this is the 19th century baptistery under a wooden covering; steps go down into the tiled pool designed for baptism by total immersion. This feature is unusual for an Anglican Church but not unique. You
will see one in St George's Cathedral Jerusalem as well as some other examples in Wales and England. It is a reminder to us that, although we usually baptise by sprinkling, Anglicans, can and sometimes do use total immersion. It was constructed in 1874, and according to H. H. Timmins (Nooks and Corners of Pembrokeshire') this was to meet the wishes of the Welsh Churchmen who "does not apparently consider the ceremony of baptism complete unless he can 'Goo threw the water". It reminds us too that a past vicar perhaps tried to encourage unity between those of different theological views.
St Peter the Fisherman's Church, Marloes
he earliest reference to this church was in 1291 when it was referred to as “Ecclesia de Malros”. It is built in the form of a cross, with nave, two transepts and a chancel. Recently an architect wrote “This is a much more than usually attractive and interesting church, in spite of rather heavy internal Victorian restoration and the almost total absence of old fittings''.
As you enter the door, you will see to your right the Norman Font; the bowl is square with chamfered corners and the "cushion" style; the shaft and base are modern. Alongside this is the 19th century baptistery under a wooden covering; steps go down into the tiled pool designed for baptism by total immersion. This feature is unusual for an Anglican Church but not unique. You
will see one in St George's Cathedral Jerusalem as well as some other examples in Wales and England. It is a reminder to us that, although we usually baptise by sprinkling, Anglicans, can and sometimes do use total immersion. It was constructed in 1874, and according to H. H. Timmins (Nooks and Corners of Pembrokeshire') this was to meet the wishes of the Welsh Churchmen who "does not apparently consider the ceremony of baptism complete unless he can 'Goo threw the water". It reminds us too that a past vicar perhaps tried to encourage unity between those of different theological views.