St Mary's Church, Saltford

St Mary's Church
Gray stone building with red tiled roof, partially obscured by a hedge. A square tower is at the far end. The foreground includes several crosses and gravestones.
Location within Somerset
General information
Town or city Saltford
Country England
Coordinates 51°24′20″N 2°27′15″W / 51.4056°N 2.4542°W / 51.4056; -2.4542
Completed 12th century

St Mary's Church is an Anglican parish church in Saltford, Somerset, England. It dates from the 12th century or earlier and has been designated as a Grade II listed building.[1]

History

This church has stood in the village of Saltford for over a thousand years. It is believed to be Norman with an authentic Norman Font still used for christenings today. It was taken away and defaced during the Battle of Lansdown during the English Civil War. It was subsequently found being used as a cattle trough.[2] The rector at the time was never seen again. The tower is believed to be Saxon although 10 feet (3.0 m) have been added and extensively repaired. Originally there were three bells dated 1820, although only one remains and still used. The gallery and porch are 19th-century and is where the organ is. More recently, a window has been added in memorial of the choirmaster for 10 years; Mr. T.C.G. Ewins.[3]

Current Information

The current rector is The Reverend Daile Wilshere.[4] She succeeds The Reverend G. Richard W. Hall, who served as Rector between 1988 and 2014. The church has many youth groups and other resident groups and initiatives. The Choir sings at most Parish Communion services.[5][6] The church holds close links with Saltford Church of England Primary School, where the Rector speaks at Assembly every Monday Afternoon.[7]

The Church Hall

The former village school has been converted into a Church Hall, with a spacious Main Hall, full kitchen facilities and 3 different smaller rooms. Local Groups hire these rooms; with revenue going to the church.[8]

The Benefice, Deaney and Diocese

Saltford is part of the Benefice of Saltford, All Saints Church, Corston [9] and Holy Trinity in Newton St Loe.,[10] as well as the Diocese of Bath & Wells (in the Archdiocese of Canterbury) and the Deanery of Chew Magna. The church's sister parish; Newton-St-Loe is in the patronage of the Duchy of Cornwall.

References

  1. ↑ "Church of St Mary". Images of England. English Heritage. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
  2. ↑ "History". St Mary's church. Retrieved 2009-07-04.
  3. ↑ http://www.stmaryssaltford.org.uk/history.htm
  4. ↑ http://www.bathandwells.org.uk/diocesan_information/parishes.php
  5. ↑ http://www.stmaryssaltford.org.uk/whatson.htm
  6. ↑ http://www.stmaryssaltford.org.uk/stmarysyouth.htm
  7. ↑ http://www.bathandwells.org.uk/changing_lives/education/church_school_lists.php?8003102
  8. ↑ http://www.stmaryssaltford.org.uk/churchhall.htm
  9. ↑ http://www.allsaintscorston.org.uk/
  10. ↑ http://www.holytrinitynsl.org.uk/
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