The Parish Church of Felkirk St Peter
Parish Profile
Felkirk St Peter’s is part of the United Benefice of Royston and Felkirk
The Parish
The parish of Felkirk is situated within the triangle formed by Wakefield, Barnsley and Hemsworth. It is reasonably close to the M1, M62, A1 and A61.
The parish boundaries comprise the villages of South Hiendley and Shafton only now within Historically the villages of Old Royston, Cold Hiendley, Havercroft, Brierley and Grimethorpe also lay within the parish boundaries and some parishioners from these Parishes continue to worship at Felkirk.
Map displaying changing parish boundaries
The area is now predominantly rural since the closure of the nine collieries which have existed through the years in the parish. The old industrial areas are now restored to arable farmland or pasture. Several new housing developments have increased the parish population to around 5300 and Shafton in particular has developed into a dormitory village for the nearby cities and towns.
As a result of the area’s history, there are a number of walks both on ancient pathways, disused canal towpaths and old railway lines. These are popular with visiting walking and cycling clubs. Descriptive walks are available in the schoolroom where there is also a display of local history.
History
Felkirk St Peter’s is a Grade 2 listed building and will celebrate the 900th anniversary of its recorded history in 2020 (the church was given into the charge of Nostell Prioryat its inception in 1120). The actual origins are undocumented but theaccepted estimate is of a wooden church on the current site dating to the7th century Saxon period, which was replaced by a stone Saxon church, rebuilt by the Normans. Subsequently Elizabethan and Georgian additions were added with the last structural changes being a Victorian significant restoration in 1875. Within the older parts of the current structure can be seen Saxon and Norman stonework as clues to the heritage.
The church tower contains a peel of six bells from C17th C18th and C19th which are still rung. Adjacent to the church is a 16th century Elizabethan schoolroom which is used for meetings and as a function room.
FelkirkChurch
Restoration work
The tower was completely restored and made watertight in 1932.
Within recent years, in 2012 the church roof was renewed with the aid of the English Heritage Lottery Fund and the Chancel area had some refurbishment, paid for through the Church Commissioners Chancel fund.
In 2005, the Elizabethan schoolroom was restored and the toilet made disabled friendly, also with aid from the English Heritage Lottery fund.It has a kitchen and can accommodate groups of up to 40 persons.
Following the 2016 Quinquennial, as well as minor repairs, work is taking place to the West, North and South facing stonework to alleviate damage from weathering. The Parish expects thatthis can be self-funding through generous donations and two charitable grants from the Headley and Jill Franklintrusts.
PCC
It is the policy of the PCC to maintain a ‘central’ approach to churchmanship. The ministry of women is welcomed in the parish.Revd. Patricia Taylor, who isretired and resident in the Parish, worked alongside the previous incumbent to provide service coverand assistance across the benefice. She is continuing to do so during the vacancy. A retired former incumbent is also providing cover for servicesin Felkirk during the vacancy.
Church Services
Common worship is used and vestments are worn.
Sunday has Eucharist with music at 11am
Thursday has a said Eucharist at 10am.
Some Easter and Christmas services are shared with Royston.
Elizabethan schoolroom exterior Elizabethan schoolroom interior
Lay activities
There is no choir.
There is a licensed chalice assistant.
There is a rota of lesson readers.
An organist attends on the first Sunday in the month and prepares a music CD for use on the other Sundays.
There is a Health and Safety and Safeguarding officer.
There is a regular meeting of the social and fund raising committee.
There is a regular meeting of the Felkirk history group.
Occasional Services
Baptism preparation is carried out in conjunction with Royston. Baptisms are performed monthly after the Sunday service
Marriage preparation sessions are held at regular intervals in conjunction with Royston. Wedding rehearsals are held at Felkirk.
Funerals are carried out as required, the graveyard is open.
Attendances
The average attendance is 26 on Sunday and 10 on Thursday, comprising parishioners from across the ancient parish boundaries.The average age is mid 60s with a variation from 40 to 90 yrs.No children attend service regularly, though there is a play area.There has been growth during the last incumbency. Our electoral roll is 38.
Interior view of central Aisle
Schools
There are three schools within the parish. There exists a good relationship with South Hiendley Infant and Junior School with several services in the Church through the year. The clergy involvement is appreciated and welcomed.
There is room for developmentwith involvement at the two Shafton Academies
Neighbouring Churches
Only one other church exists in the parish, a Methodist Chapel in Shafton.
Outreach / Community involvement
The church has an enthusiastic congregation, all of whom are involved both in its maintenance, surroundings and the various day to day functions. The schoolroom is extensively used for after service tea / coffee, regular fetes and monthly coffee mornings.
There are regularly:
A monthly lunch, taken in the schoolroom, with 20 – 30 persons attending.
A local history group,recently formed, with involvement from persons in both communities and will hold a local history eventin October.
A knit and natter / social group meet bi weekly.
Regular calendar of other events are held such as a folk music evening, Spring fairs, Yorkshire Day afternoon teas and pie and pea / quiz suppers which are well attended.
The parish supports the Kinsley food bank with foodstuffs and other goods.
Felkirk Church tower from lower graveyard
Benefice agreement and finances
Felkirk St Peter’s was joined in a United Benefice with Royston St John the Baptist in August 2016. Prior to this, the incumbent had been in situ for two years as Priest in Charge. The current parish share is £18862 whichthe parish will do their best to meet. Last year we were in arrears by one quarter’s payment.
Overseas links
We have ashared link Parish in Mangucha in the Tarime Diocese in Tanzania with Royston St Johns. We have provided financial support for various projects there thanks to a generous donation from a parishioner.
Felkirk 2016 Financial Audit Notes
Bank Accounts at 31st December 2016
Current PCC Account£6346.00
Church restoration (reserved) fund£5000.00
Donations from Jill Franklin and Hedley Trusts
CCLA Investments (reserved funds)£26000.00
Main Expenditures 2016
Expenditure / Amount £Flowers / 134.80
Gas and Electricity / 5196.00
Water / 64.00
Ecclesiastical Church Insurance / 4130.00
Leeds Diocesan Board of finance / 3726.00
Stationary and Church Supplies / 635.00
Clergy expenses / 779.00
Stonemason / 650.00
Maintenance and electrical repairs / 2100.00
Architect fees (Quinquennial) / 776.26
Parish Share 2016 / 14750.00
Parish share arrears from 2015 / 2000.00
Main Reciepts 2016
Receipts / 2016 / 2015Sunday Service collections / 7747.00 / 6298.00
Funerals / 3637.00 / 5508.00
Donations and Baptisms / 9265.00 / 4601.00
Wedding deposits including deposits / 9192.00 / 6870.00
Candles / 262.00 / 250.00