St Luke's, Matfield
Exterior
The short tower at the west end has a steeply pitched roof of typical Kentish style. It contains a single bell, made in London by John Warner and Sons in 1877.
The chancel at the east end is slightly narrower than the nave. On the north side of the chancel is a statue of Saint Luke, who has a garland placed round his neck on his feast day each year.
You enter the church through the prominent porch, in which sandstone gives way to black and white work at waist height. Inside there is a massive oak door, which is cut horizontally at the top to form a tympanum.
Interior
The nave (so called because the shape of its roof is like the underside of a ship) points straight towards the altar, and has a side aisle on the right hand (south) side. Notice the elaborate moulding of the arches between the nave and aisle, copying the Early English style of the 13th century. A horizontal tie beam, surmounted by a v-shaped crown post, supports the roof. Its design is based on the medieval one at Brenchley church.
Altar
The altar is not the original but was donated by the parishioners in 1927 to commemorate the first 50 years of the church. It has detailed carvings, which are well worth a close look.
Lectern
This is made of brass in the form of an eagle with outstretched wings. It is dedicated to the memory of Katherine Storr, the wife of the first vicar, as in- scribed on the sphere under the eagle.
Hanging glass sculpture
In 1991 a unique glass sculpture was installed, suspended from the ceiling. It depicts baptism as the first step to eternal life, and is therefore located close to the font. There is a circular section with red flames, signifying the holiness of God, and below this is water, as used in baptism. The sculpture was de- signed and engraved by Jenny Clark of Horsmonden.
The font itself is octagonal, made of similar stone to the rest of the church, and has an oak cover.
Organ
The organ has two manuals and pedals, with a total of 422 pipes. It was built in 1892, some 16 years after the rest of the church. It was built by F H Brown and Sons of Deal, Kent, using pipes made in Germany. It was given in memory of Elizabeth Marchant, whose family's forbears built Matfield House. In 1974 the organ was extensively renovated, using funds raised by parishioners.
Windows
Notice the richly tinted stained glass windows. The ones behind the altar are of nativity scenes, with shepherds on the left and the three kings on the right. They were made by the well known London firm of C E Kempe and were given by the Marchant family in 1893. The window on the left side of the chancel shows the Angel Gabriel and Mary, and like the lectern is in memory of Katherine Storr. On the same side, towards the rear of the nave, are depictions of St. George and St. Louie. These are in memory of Lieutenant Hugh Marchant, who was killed in 1916.
Churchyard
The churchyard is entered through a lychgate, and extends all round the church. There are memorials to many members of the Storr and Marchant families, and also to Theresa Sas- soon, mother of Siegfried Sassoon, the First World War poet. Recently an additional churchyard has been opened some 200 yards along Sophurst Lane, as the original one is full.
St. Mary's Lamberhurst
Coming soon…