ST LAWRENCE’S CHURCH
St. Lawrence Church. Westbury-sub-Mendip
St. Lawrence’s Church is an important focus for faith and history as well as providing a special place for all, both inside and outside our community. Everyone is welcome. The Church provides different things for different people at different times in their lives. A place to pray, to celebrate weddings and baptisms, a place of refuge, a place of quiet to reflect on life, a place to mourn and above all a place to worship God and to thank Him for the many blessings He provides.
ANYONE is welcome to come in and have a look around.
Services
1st Sunday of the month is Matins at 11.00 a.m. and 2nd, 3rd, 4th Sundays Holy Communion at 11.00 a.m., 5th Sunday is usually a Benefice Service which is held either at Priddy, Easton or Westbury churches.
Details of services can also be found on the noticeboard in the church porch (which is open).
Help and Information
Our Vicar, Rev. Alexandra Holmes is currently on sick leave. If you have questions about the Church and/or need help and assistance please contact: lindamogford@uwclub.net or Tel 01749 870817; or Paul Hamilton paul_hamilton123@outlook.com or Tel. 01749 870032. If Linda or Paul are unable to help they can point you in the right direction! Details of charges and other information can be found on the noticeboard in the church porch (which is open).
You can also find more information at: https://www.achurchnearyou.com
On this website you can find links to services and events and online church resources. It also has a link to our church. In the box under the heading: “Find an event happening right now, near you”
Choir – We have a thriving robed choir but are always looking for new members to join us. Practice nights are on a Friday at 6.00 p.m. and we sing for weekly services and special events. Our choir master is Mr. Malcolm Mogford contact 01749 870817 if you are interested in joining.
Bellringing – We ring 6 bells at St. Lawrence’s and use method ringing. Our practice night is on a Monday each week from 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. after which we socialise together in the Westbury Pub which is opposite the Church. We also ring the First and Third Sunday of the month for morning service and for special occasions. We are always happy to welcome visitors and any potential new ringers. For more information please contact the Tower Captain, Andrew Sealy 01749 870307.
Primroses, Art, Teas – On 25th and 26th March 2023 we held a very well timed and glorious weekend Primrose Festival. The entry into the Churchyard is still full of primroses and wild daffodils, all self sown, as far as anyone knows, and anyone is welcome to pop in and have a look.
Inside the Church porch, there was a stall run by the Westbury Gardening Club and inside the Church, the space was full of art work. A total of 22 artists exhibited their paintings, including some from Westbury Art Group, from Priddy and from the children from the Village Schools. All ages and different styles of art were displayed around the walls and across the pews. The Rodney Chapel was encircled by photographs and information on The Westbury Village Tree group, and over the churchyard wall, the tree nursery was open to visitors.
The Sealy family had provided a lovely archive of photographs and memorabilia on church activities over the years. Gales of laughter were heard as several village members re-lived church outings and Sunday School activities from their youth. We also had a visit from a lady, no longer living in the village, who had been married in 960 in Westbury Church. She was delighted to examine the Marriage Register which had many of her old friends’ marriages recorded also. Her daughter Laura, later commented on Facebook, that they had enjoyed their visit very much and how nice it was to see the church full of life. She also commented that her mother really enjoyed her visit up the Tower which she had never done before!
The Church Tower was open and visitors took the opportunity to ascend and be given a talk and tour of the belfry and bells. Unfortunately, due to the inclement weather, they were unable to go up out onto the roof to enjoy the views.
Many villagers came to admire and exclaim at the talent on display as they enjoyed delicious cakes and biscuits, whilst looking around and some went home with a pot of village honey.
We are already thinking of next year and those artists who did not come forward this year! Perhaps we will need to modify the Church to fit everyone in next time!
Our Church is very old and will always need repair work done to it to keep it in good order. After several years of repair work on the outside, we are now able to redecorate the inside. We are also hoping to remove some PEWS so that a community space can be provided for events and meetings. However, this will not be cheap and we would like to thank everyone who came for your support and donations.
