All Saints' Church, Yeovil Marsh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids All Saints Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Active |
| Year consecrated | 1871 |
| Location | |
| Location | Yeovil Marsh, Somerset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Charles Benson |
| Architectural type | Church |
All Saints Church is a special church in Yeovil Marsh, a village in Somerset, England. It belongs to the Church of England. A man named Charles Benson designed it, and George Bullock paid for it to be built between 1869 and 1870. Today, it's part of a group of churches called the Five Crosses benefice.
Contents
A Look Back: How All Saints Church Started
All Saints Church was built to help people in Yeovil Marsh. It was like a smaller, local church connected to St John's Church in Yeovil. For many years, people had talked about building a church in Yeovil Marsh.
Early Services in a Cottage
Before the church was built, services were held in a small, thatched cottage. Reverend Mr. James, who worked at St John's, led these services. Later, Reverend A. H. Lutman took over.
George Bullock's Generosity
Mr. George Bullock, a rich landowner from East Coker, paid for the entire church. He owned most of the land in the Marsh area. He spent almost £2,000 to buy the land and build the church. He also set aside money to help the church run in the future.
Building the Church
Mr. Charles Benson from Yeovil drew up the plans for the church. The builders were Messrs. William Pudden and Sons from East Coker. The first stone was laid in January 1869. By September 1869, the church was almost finished. It officially opened in 1870.
Consecration and New Parish
The church was formally dedicated by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Lord Arthur Hervey, on August 28, 1871. This special ceremony made it a holy place. In March 1872, Yeovil Marsh became its own church area, called an ecclesiastical parish.
What All Saints Church Looks Like
All Saints Church is built from local stone found at Brimsmore Tree. It has special decorative stones called Hamstone and a roof made of Bridgwater tiles.
Inside the Church
The church was designed to hold 160 people. It has a main area called the nave and a special area near the altar called the chancel. There's also a small porch at the west end and a room for the clergy (church leaders) on the north-east side, called a vestry.
Windows and Roof
On the west end of the roof, there is a small tower with one bell. The church has seven windows. The large window at the east end and the window at the west end have beautiful stained glass. The floor is mostly made of wood, and the walkways are paved with tiles from Poole Potteries. The open roof is made of stained pine wood.
Original Furniture
The church still has some of its original furniture. This includes wooden benches that can be moved, a pulpit (where sermons are given), and a reading desk made of oak. The font, used for baptisms, is made of Bath stone. The carved oak rail around the altar came from another church in Yeovil. Mr. Bullock also paid for the church's first harmonium, a type of organ, made by Messrs. Price and Son.
