Church Recorders compile a full record of the contents of churches of all religions. This is to promote recognition and preservation of the rich artistic heritage in places of worship.

Participating churches are presented with an illustrated book detailing each item and its history. Copies are also sent to national institutions.

Church Recorders are volunteers who have an interest in preserving important artefacts and providing archival material for future researchers. They are not necessarily experts in any particular subject but are willing to learn and increase their expertise. Training and expert advice is available for members who would like to participate in recording a church.

Heritage in churches is under threat from:

• Break-ins and theft
• Lack of interest
• Lack of awareness of what they possess
• Lack of money to care for what they own

Church Records provide many benefits to:

• The church authorities who have a complete furnishing record
• The police who use our accurate description and photographs to help recover and identify retrieved stolen artefacts.
• Insurance companies who use our Records to identify items.
• Researchers who are producing theses and books on allied subjects.

Further details are available from the Area Church Recorders Representative: info@theartssocietyeastsurreyarea.org.uk