The Old Church, Stoneham Town

Contents

History

The Old Church sits in the centre of Stoneham Town and is the first stone buildiing to be created by the Townsfolks after the cleansing of the forest to make way for The Towns.
Work was started on it in 2600 and initially completed in 2609, although this part of the church now serves merely as a vestibule for the church proper. Work was done continuously from 2613 onwards to improve the church as it was declared "unworthy of The Protector", and was finally officially completed in 2761. During this time it continued to serve as a church and is therefore not only the oldest but the longest-running church in The Wilds.

Religious Significance

The Old Church is an important part of the religion of The Towns. The first stone is said to have been laid by a direct descendent of Harald of The Protectors, the man who brought word of The Protector to the Townsfolk and helped them break away from the barbaric traditions of the Nomads.
The Old Church is not the largest, but it has the most ornate altar and a large stained-glass window depicting The Protector fighting off The Forces. It is the home of the current Protector's Cleric and as such hosts a vast number of religious artifacts. People have been known to make pilgrimages from as far away as Cressund Town and Cosmouth Town.

Social Impact

With the ever-growing threat of the Nomads as well as the unpredictable and evil Forces which are set to destroy a man's soul, now more than ever the people of The Towns need religious refuge. The Old Church has become this to them. Many who find themselves questioning either the word of their husband or father, or their own faith in The Protector, make the journey to The Old Church. They go to find answers to the questions which plague them and to have a moment or two of respite from the terror of the world.