A CHURCH which played a formative role in the life of one of Cornwall’s heroes is encouraging people to support their appeal on St Piran’s Day.

Each year on March 5, Cornish men and women around the globe join in the “Trelawny Shout” in honour of Bishop Jonathan Trelawny. And year-round, choirs and singers remember his name in the words of the Cornish anthem or Trelawny song – The Song of the Western Men.

Trelawny was one of seven bishops who, in the wake of the English Civil War, petitioned against King James II and his attack on the authority of the Church of England in 1687, and who were imprisoned in the Tower of London, charged with seditious libel, but were later acquitted of the crime.

Trelawny became Bishop of Bristol, then Exeter, and finally Bishop of Winchester. But what many people may not realise is that a rural church in East Cornwall was where Trelawny took his first steps in the clergy.

“St Sampson’s Church at South Hill was Trelawny’s first parish as a Rector in 1673, nearly 350 years ago,” said Judith Ayers, who is part of a group working hard to restore the church.

“He must have purposely strode down the same path, entered the same door and stood on the same spot by the altar, where many priests have stood before and since.”

Trelawny’s links with South Hill were not forgotten. Two further family members became Rectors of South Hill: his brother, Edward Trelawny and then his son, Hele Trelawny.

Now, the St Sampson’s Unlocked project wants to make sure not only that Trelawny’s name is remembered in the village for the next 350 years, but also that the church building can continue to function as a welcoming and well-used space for its community well into the 21st century.

The project has the ambitious aim of raising around £550,000 for major structural work, and for refurbishments large and small, that will make the Grade I medieval building fit for purpose for decades to come.

“St Piran’s Day is the day when Cornwall traditionally raises a glass to Bishop Trelawny. Sadly, that won’t happen this year, with large, exuberant gatherings in our pubs not allowed,” said Judith.

“In memory of our Cornish hero, and in place of buying a beverage or two, we hope that people will donate to the worthy cause of restoring St Sampson’s Church. The project will benefit the whole community by providing an additional space, and keeping our history and heritage alive.”