St Michael’s & All Angels, Gittisham
We are a small but committed family of worshippers who (normally) meet once a week to worship in our historical and beautiful building
We are very pleased to have resumed a regular pattern of worship in Church and look forward to welcoming you to St Michael’s.
at 11am
The Church is open to visitors most days:
Notices
For the safety of all we ask that to help prevent the spread of Covid infection especially to the more vulnerable members of our community
* you use the hand sanitiser provided and maintain social distancing
* wear face coverings where possible
* stay away from church if you have tested positive for Covid or are feeling unwell with any cold or flu like symptoms
History
St Michael’s has been the focus of spiritual life in Gittisham for over 600 years. The first reference to the original church is in 1244. It was built, or partly so, in 1321 and named St Michael’s – though it was not at that time dedicated to this Saint and it is therefore thought that an earlier church may have existed on the same site. The actual date of dedication is not known but there is a record of the order for dedication being made in 1331 and in1498 mentioned in the will of Thomas Colpriest.
The church stands in the centre of the village set back from the Village Green. It is built of dressed flint, with lime mortar render and is in the early English and Perpendicular styles. Distinctive architectural features include; C18th Box Pews installed in 1715; a wagon roof; a collection of hatchments; several stained glass windows and monuments and memorials to the Beaumont, Putt and Marker families – the successive owners of the Combe Estate. There is also a Georgian West Gallery not currently accessible to the public and some interesting carvings on stone pillars including a Green Man.
The churchyard wall was built in 1720 and the oldest grave on which the inscription is still legible is dated 1616. The present Lych- Gate was erected after the Second World War and also serves as a war memorial.
The Tower contains five bells after the installation of two new bells in 1992.
More detailed information about St Michael’s history is available in the Church in return for a small donation. .Any queries about the building please contact our Churchwarden.
Supporting St Michael's
The PCC wishes to thank everyone who is supporting St Michael’s Church either by existing covenant, contributing to the Parish Giving Scheme or supporting the 200 Club.
The introduction of the Parish Giving Scheme and the generous uptake from supporters is enabling St Michael’s to weather this lockdown storm.
With no services and no fund raising activities possible the income is enabling the PCC to maintain the church, churchyard, support the clergy and pay its regular bills.
If you would like to make a donation or receive further details about the Parish Giving Scheme or 200 Club contact our Treasurer
Contacts
Email: [email protected]
Licensed Lay Minister with particular responsibility for St Michael’s:
Julia Barrett 01404 850680 email
Church Warden: Carol McCann 01404 851113
PCC Secretary: position vacant
Treasurer: Ian Warne 01395 488932
Safeguarding Representative: Sarah Agg-Manning 01404 851177
Bell Captain: Maggie Walker 01404 850056
Safeguarding
The parish of Gittisham is committed to the safeguarding of all, especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
As a church we have adopted the House of Bishops’ National Safeguarding Policies and Practice, details of which are available on the Church of England website.
We have also displayed the ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ poster on the notice board in the church porch.
All those working with children and adults at risk have received safeguarding training and support.
Concerns about children, young people and adults at risk will be dealt with diligently and promptly, recognising the sensitivity it may hold for those involved.
If you have a concern about the safety of someone or the actions of someone working with children or vulnerable adults, please speak to our Parish Safeguarding Officer:
Sarah Agg-Manning 01404 851177
You could also contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
If you are a young person and you feel unhappy about something happening to you, you can call Childline on 0800 1111.