St Cosmas & St Damian
Stretford, Herefordshire
A church as broad as it is long.
Built by the monks from the Abbey of Conches in Normandy, All Saints church was beautifully restored in the 19th century.
Monkland church’s principal claim to fame is that Reverend Sir Henry Williams Baker was vicar of the parish for 25 years from 1852 to 1877. He accomplished much at Monkland and was much loved. Sir Henry Baker is known nationally and internationally as the writer of many hymns including ‘The King of Love my Shepherd is’ and for his role in the publication of Hymns Ancient and Modern.
Many features of the church remind us of his life and work: the reredos, stained glass windows, the carved pulpit, the lychgate and above all, the organ. This instrument was built in 1866 by JW Walker in accordance with Sir Henry Baker’s instructions. It is listed by the British Institute Of Organ Studies as an instrument of importance to our national heritage.