Page:Devon and Cornwall Queries Vol 9 1917.djvu/142

108 93. (IX., p. 74, par. 75.)—In answer to Mr. Windeatt, I can suggest three different explanations of Teigngrace Church being described in 1410 as "the parochial church of the Apostles Peter and Paul" (Stafford, 213) and in 1782 as "St. Mary's Church, Teigngrace." But first I must point out that in stating that "if a new church is built upon the old foundations of a church already consecrated, no further consecration of that church is permissible," Mr. Windeat has omitted the proviso "provided that the altar is not removed."

The importance of this proviso will be seen by reference to the letter of Pope Vigilius, 538, which is generally cited as the authority for consecration (Ap. Gratian III., Dist. I., c. 24), which shews the three things deemed necessary for consecration, viz. (1) the sprinkling with exorcised water; (2) enclosing a relic or the Eucharist itself under the altar and (3) the celebration of the Eucharist. It runs:—

"The fabric of any church if destroyed must be reinstated, and if in that place the solemnity of consecration has to be repeated in which there were no shrines (sanctitaria) [before], no harm will be done (nihil judicamus officere) if no more than exorcised water be sprinkled over it, because the consecration of every church in which a pledge of the Holy Ghost is not deposited [the relic of a saint being such a pledge] is we know effected solely by the celebration of masses. Therefore, should a courthouse (basilica) of the saints be rebuilt from the foundation without the altar being disturbed undoubtedly the hallowing of a perfect consecration will be completed when mass is solemnly celebrated."

This letter clearly contemplates the consecration of an adjoining altar-chapel or shrine, in which case no harm will be done if the first part of the service (the sprinkling of exorcised water) is extended to the old part when rebuilt, provided the altar under which the relics are preserved has not been disturbed. Canon 2 of the Council of Chelsea in 816 lays it down:—

"Where a church is built, let it be consecrated by the bishop of the diocese. Let the water be blessed and sprinkled by himself. … Afterwards let the Eucharist