All Saints Parish Church
(United benefice of Queen Camel, West Camel, Corton Denham, Sparkford, Weston Bampfylde and Sutton Montis).
Rector: Rev Dr Michael Perry (Tel. 01935 850326)
Churchwarden:
John Hogben (Tel: 01935 851757)
Sunday services
1st Sunday 8am Holy Communbion
2nd. 3rd & 5th Sundays 11am:
4th Sunday 10am. Benefice service at Queen Camel
See Camels Magazine for details/exceptionsHistory:
Records show that there was a wooden church around 995 AD, which was replaced by a stone building with a small tower in the Norman period (c. 1100). The nave and north chapel were added c. 1200, the small Norman building becoming the chancel of the enlarged building. In the15th century the pulpit was added, the height of the nave, north chapel and tower we raised by about half, and the fine nave roof was reconstructed. Many other improvements were made, but sadly these were destroyed in the religious turmoils of the late 16th century. The spirelet on the tower was added in 1631.
West Camel Methodist Church
(on the A303 road next to Bakery)
Sunday services 6.00pm*
Tea and biscuits after every service
* Except on the 1st Sunday of the month, when we join our Anglican friends for "Tea-time" for the Soul" at the Davis Hall, 4.30–6pm. (not June 2012)
Games Night Mondays 7.30pm.*
Bible study/prayer: Tuesdays 7.30pm.
(various venues)
Minister: Rev Ken Chalmers (Tel. 01963 351598)
Church Steward: Mrs Liz Chapman (Tel. 01935 850838)
Worship co-ordinator: Geoff Chapman (Tel. 01935 850838)
Although Methodism in West Camel goes back to the 19th century or even earlier, when the present church was built in 1908 the A303 was a narrow country lane (see picture below). This has now become the busy London to Exeter trunk road. West Camel Methodists had previously worshipped in an "upper room" above a carpenter's shop in Keep Street. The thatched roof leaked when it rained, and when the congregation was large (it seated 80) props had to be placed beneath the floor to support it! The necessity for a new church became increaingly apparent, but lack of funds prevented this dream from becoming a reality for many years. It was when Mr and Mrs A E Clothier came to reside at Vale Farm and offered a plot of land for a new church that plans really got under way, and an estimate of £497.50 from Messrs. Chapman and Co., Builders of Yeovil was accepted. On June 14th 1908 the stone-laying ceremony took place, and new premises were officially opened on 24th September 1908.
In 1974, an extension, including kitchen and toilets, was added, and in 1998, to coincide with the 90th anniversary celebrations, extensive alterations were undertaken. This involved reversing the interior layout of the chapel, constructing a new entrance, and renovating the church hall. The membership of the church is quite small, but it is a lively and friendly church. Why not come and meet us — you are assured of a warm and friendly welcome!
Website: www.westcamel-mc.org.uk
All Saints Church has six bells, one of which dates from the 15th century and weighs approx. 370 kilos. The most recent bell was added in 1977, the others having been rehung in 1951.
In 1835 pews were erected in the chancel, paid for by those who sat in them. The vestry minutes record that the people who paid for them "drew lots for the choice of situation". The present entrance-porch was built in 1866, replacing an earlier one which has been demolished. There is a list Rectors of West Camel all the way back to 1317.
The foregoing is only a summary of the history of All Saints Church. This attractive, historic church is well worth a visit, and further information about its history is available in the church.
Substantial internal renovations were completed in spring 2007. These include the provision of running water, kitchen facilities, and a disabled toilet.
The West Camel Churches work together in a number of ways. On the fourth Sunday of each month at 10am there is an all-age ‘Sunday Special’, followed by light refreshments, at the Davis Hall
. On the First Sunday of the month, "TeaTime for the Soul", an informal all-age event takes place from 3.30pm–5pm at the Davis Hall. Activities include crafts, quizzes, worship and tea.
All are warmly welcome.
(see events page).
