A SPECIAL service took place at a Grays church after its new stained glass window was installed.

The new window at St Peter and Paul’s Grays Parish Church, depicts the missionary journeys of St Paul.

It was designed by Pippa Blackall, who also designed four other large windows within the church back in the 1970s and 80s, which included a window dedicated to St Peter.

The service, which took place on Sunday, January 26, saw The Rev Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, dedicate the window along with a number of other new furniture commissions.

The Rector of Grays, The Rev Canon Darren Barlow, said: “It was a wonderful accession and our thanks to everyone involved in what has been a long and complicated process.

“As the church is dedicated to both St Peter and St Paul, after a 40 year gap, we now have two windows each reflecting our two patronal saints.

“And of course, our sincere thanks to all those who so generously bequeathed or donated money which enabled these new works to be completed.”

The cost of the new window was £25,000.

The funds were from a generous bequest of a Grays resident.

Bishop Stephen was joined by the mayor of Thurrock, Terry Piccolo, Dr James Bettley the High Sheriff of Essex, MP for Thurrock Jackie Doyle-Price, and artist Pippa Blackall.

Around 180 people attended the service.

For more information on the church’s services and opening times, visit the website www.graysthurrockteamministry.org

The church is based in the Grays town centre on the junction of High Street and New Road.

You can also follow the church on Twitter @GraysParishCofE