The Parish Church of St Andrew, Colyton

Market Place, Colyton, EX24 6JS

Service pattern

The church is open daily and the Lady Chapel (in the North Aisle) is reserved for private prayer.

Below is the usual service pattern for St Andrew’s Parish Church. Please check the weekly pew sheet (below) for any changes.

Every Sunday
8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
9.30 am Sung Holy Communion (CW)

3rd Sunday
6.30 pm Choral Evensong (BCP)

Weekday services
Monday – Friday 8:30 am Morning Prayer (said)
Wednesday 10:00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
Wednesday 4.15 pm Silent Prayer for Peace (Lady Chapel) followed by 5.00 pm Evening Prayer

Churchwarden

Christine Sansom
01297 552065

Accessibility

  • Two permanent ramps give wheelchair access through the south porch and to the altar rail in the south aisle.
  • Wide aisles for all kinds of wheeled chairs.
  • A manual wheelchair is available.
  • Handrails in stepped areas.
  • Hearing loop
  • Large print hymn books and service orders are available.

Church music

There is a long-established musical tradition at St Andrew’s, which is maintained by the choir. Numerous children have received musical training in the choir, and in recent years, many have received the RSCM Awards, an outstanding achievement.

There is a bursary fund through which they can qualify for help with the cost of music lessons and attendance at RSCM training events.

New members – both adults and children – are always welcome, and no previous knowledge or experience is necessary. Choir practice is on Friday evenings. Please contact our musical director Nicholas Brown for any details or queries nickpiano64@gmail.com

History of St Andrew’s Church

Located in the centre of the town, the St Andrew’s Church plays an important part in the life of the community. A very unusual octagonal lantern top stage sits on top of the 12th-century tower, containing eight bells.

Dating from the 15th and early 16th centuries, the main building bore further additions in 1765 and 1816. St Andrew’s Church contains many historical features, including the Courtney monument in the chancel, which is the oldest in the church. It shows Margaret Beaufort, granddaughter of John of Gaunt, who married Thomas Courtney, 5th Earl of Devon, and died in 1439.

Unfortunately, a large fire in 1933 caused extensive damage to the church. However, during renovation, a Saxon cross (late 10th century) was discovered inside the tower and the restored cross now stands in the South Transept beside the font. It is considered the best Saxon carving in Devon.

The magnificent and huge west window was installed in 1908, replacing a plain 15th-century window. The glass shows Christ in majesty surrounded by angels, the apostles and scenes from the life of St Andrew, each saint with a unique halo. In 2010, a restoration of the window was undertaken by craftsman Andrew Johnson, repairing cracks in the glass and failing leadwork. The church also holds two exceptional brass candelabra dating back to 1796: each holds 36 candles which are still lit periodically.

FoStA: The Friends of St Andrew’s

The Friends of St Andrew’s (FoStA) is an independent charity which raises money towards the upkeep of the building.

Keep your eyes on our events and activities to find out about the Friends’ upcoming plans.

Secretary

Simon Ford
simon.r.h.ford@gmail.com
07519 953 336