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THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST ANDREWS - KENN

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In every country village, it is the old Parish Church around which the history of the Parish centres. It is the object of interest, of antiquity and affection. Its records contain the account of the names and deeds of those who lived and worked in the same place where we now live.

Extract from "KENN - OUR HOME  1086-1910"

by Frank W. Vining  Rector  1910

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

St Andrew’s Church exemplifies the quintessential village Church set amidst glorious countryside in the Kenn valley, and is surrounded by an ancient graveyard which is ‘a picture’, carpeted in the Spring with primroses, snowdrops and daffodils. The graveyard also contains an ancient yew tree.  

The Church is built of red ‘Heavitree’ sandstone. There is evidence of Norman origins but re-building was carried out in the Thirteenth Century and further enlargements in the Fifteenth Century. Much internal refurbishment and re-ordering was carried out by the ‘Tractarian’ Rector, the Rev’d R. Porter, in the latter part of the Nineteenth Century.

A prominent feature of the interior is the very fine screen dated at about 1500 A.D. The screen tracery is Perpendicular in style and the spaces at the bottom are filled with forty one panels painted with male and female saints. On top of the screen stands the Rood (crucifix) which was carved in Oberammergau in 1885. This Rood replaced an original which would have been removed by law during the second half of the Sixteenth Century, and was the first Rood to be replaced in Devon .  

Great emphasis is placed upon the altar. The Reredos, (the screen at the back of an alter), and the gilded mosaic panels on either side, presents a very striking and colourful appearance.  

The oldest object in the Church is the Norman font, made of Purbeck marble.  

St. Andrew’s Church in Kenn desires to include everyone in its fellowship, and promotes social activities that are enjoyed by many in the local community. In 2004, the Church featured in the German television production of Rosamund Pilcher’s ‘Queen of the Night’.

 

St Andrew’s Parish Church is situated in the village of Kenn and serves Kenn, Kennford and Clapham.  With St Martin ’s, Exminster, it is part of a United Benefice.

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PARISH CLERGY

The Rev'd John Williams        Priest in Charge       john_williams55@btinternet.com

The Rev'd Ruth Rann            Assistant Curate       r.rann@tiscali.co.uk

CHURCHWARDENS             Mr Ron Juniper   Mrs Jo Preece

Hon. Secretary                   Mr Mervyn Hosking

Hon. Treasurer                   Mr Geoff Hawken  

SERVICES                 

1st Sunday in month           10am       Morning Worship & Sunday School

2nd Sunday in month          8.15am    Holy Communion

3rd Sunday in month          10am       Sung Eucharist & Sunday School

4th Sunday in month          8.15am    Holy Communion

5th Sunday in month          10am       Group Service - see Haldon Views for details

Each Thursday                   9am        Holy Communion

Festivals and special services as announced

POSTCARDS, NOTELETS

All the above are now available depicting St Andrew’s Church thus keeping absent friends in touch with the village. Contact Simon Preece 

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GROUPS ASSOCIATED WITH ST ANDREWS

  • Sunday School meets in St Andrews during the 10am service on the 1st & 3rd Sundays.
  • The Mothers Union meet on the 2nd Thursday in each month and are pleased to welcome new members
  • St Andrews Bell Ringers meet every Tuesday evening for practice. New members always welcome.

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