wendlebury.org.uk

St Giles' Church

The Revd. Derek Walker writes: The Anglican church of St Giles, Wendlebury serves the whole village. For many centuries, baptisms, weddings and funerals held at the church reflect the cycle of individual lives and the corporate life of the whole community. Today the worship each Sunday sees a small but faithful congregation. At Church festivals in the year, Christmas Eve and Easter Day especially, many more come.

As the Rector of the parish, I am privileged to lead services and to preach as part of my ministry in the Akeman Benefice [a group of seven parishes including Wendlebury.] Preaching and Communion are at the heart of worship, and I enjoy sharing in this way, opening up what the Bible teaches about God’s love for us all.

The interior of St. Giles' church is mainly pine and stone. There is a very peaceful feel, and because it is a small church, everybody feels part of the worship. Coffee and biscuits are served after most services, and people stay and share together for a good while. We must never be a club to only serve its own members, the mission of the church is to all who need to hear of God’s love in Jesus Christ.

The patron of the church is St. Giles, who lived in the ninth century. Giles was wounded when the king, while hunting, shot at a hind which Giles had made a pet. The King in recognition for the bravery shown by Giles, founded a monastery. The parish church is dedicated to St Giles, hence the emblem of an arrow with a hind.

The first church at Wendlebury was built in the late 1100’s, in a cruciform style, and was said to be very beautiful. However, it was built on clay sub-soil and its foundations had insufficient depth. The first sign of trouble was in 1639 when the south transept became unsafe. By 1761 the church was in a dilapidated state, and a large part of it had to be taken down. The tower remained though at an angle.

The rebuild in 1762 was not built with the same care as previously, and in 1898 it was pulled down again. The church building as we know it today was re-opened in 1902 with no tower or transepts. The three church bells saved from the tower remain at the west end of the church. Two chalices, one 16th century the other 18th century are in the Treasury of Oxford Cathedral and can be viewed there.

In the church there is a Norman font, the south doorway and alter rails remind us of the Medieval and Stuart periods. There is no stained glass in the windows, so the church is strikingly light.

Thanks to Ken Orme who adapted the above copy from a paper written by Peter Roberts in 1992 and to Dave Jones who supplied he photos.