Residents of Fleet have shared their memories of the town's iconic church after it was left in ruins following a blaze on Monday night (June 22).
All Saints Church, a Grade II-listed building which was built in 1862, suffered "100% damage" to its roof and much of the inside was destroyed after the fire broke out at around 5.30pm.
The Fleet community was left "heartbroken", with residents saying the church was "a central point" and an "archetypal building" for the town.
The church has held fond memories for many residents and groups, including several generations of one family going back as far as the late 19th century.
Mike Bennett said: "My great, great grandfather was buried there in 1898, my great grandparents were buried there and myself, my mother and my uncle were all christened there.
"My grandmother's funeral service was also held there, and it's where my parents were blessed.
"I'm not a religious person but it's got a lot of strong family links.
"[Hearing about the fire] was weird. When I heard the news it made me feel sick. You know when it's like it means something to you.
"The church was sort of an icon of Fleet because it had been there for so long, and it was the central point in those days.
"Seeing the reactions on social media, a lot of people have said how sad it is. It's a beautiful church, right by the town without being on top of the town.
"My mum is really upset, it means a lot to her as well. It's such a shame. It had a real community sort of feel to it."
The church was the "home" of Hart Voices choir, which had its rehearsals at the Parish Centre every Wednesday evening.
Clare Thomas, the choir's publicity manager, said: "We have been lucky enough to have given a great many concerts in the outstanding acoustics of the church, accompanied by the magnificent organ - widely accepted to be the best in the area.
"It is a church (and for us, a concert venue) that is unmatched in the Fleet area and will be greatly missed."
The choir's forthcoming concert, Vivaldi's Gloria, was due to be held there in November, and Ms Thomas said they had the building in mind when they selected the programme.
"All Saints really would have been the perfect venue," she said.
"More than anything, our hearts go out to the people of All Saints parish, many of whom are our loyal audience members, and some choir members.
"We look forward to the day when we can bring our music back to All Saints."
Following the fire, the church set up a page on its website to allow the congregation to add their memories of the building and their "hopes and prayers for the future".
Churchgoers recalled weddings, funeral services, burials, christenings and blessings, among other stand-out events.
Matthew Parkes wrote: "At least the brickwork is relatively intact. As an architect I am ever hopeful that she will be rebuilt. Prayers with you all. A very sad day.
"Mum and dad, both grandparents and great-grandparents on mum’s side were all married at All Saints. We feel the loss. Thank God no-one was injured."
Gill Anderson, who has lived in Fleet for 44 years, said she was in the church's choir as a young girl and was later married there in 1987 by Reverend Jobson, who also christened both her sons.
Oli, writing on behalf of the Parisi family, said: "Our latest memory of All Saints Church is the service held to celebrate 150 years of All Saints school, it was a magical evening and we couldn’t stop marvelling at the beauty of the church.
"My daughter had built many memories there, we pray that all the community and church people will work together to rebuild the church."
