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St. Michael’s Parish Church Caerwys
Please visit the official
web site of St. Michael's Church - by clicking on the following link http://stmichaels-caerwys.org.uk The St. Michael's
Parish Church, Caerwys is an example
of the "Clwydian" type of architecture. It has no definitely apportioned aisles and chancel, but two adjacent parallel
naves. Many churches in the Vale of Clwyd are of this type. There has probably been a religious building on the site since
the Roman era, but the present structure dates from the close of the 13th century, although there have been many additions
and modifications over the years. South
Nave and Chancel the view from the west door gives an impression of strength and dignity. Wall
monuments include two 18th century and one 19th century gravestones, a brass tablet to the memory of Pte. Spry, killed in
South Africa in 1901, and a brass war memorial to "those who fell for King and Country, 1914-1918." There is also
a memorial to those killed in the 1939-45 war, together with a monument to Rev. Thos. Lewis, a curate at Caerwys (died Oct.
30, 1757, aged 47) and another to Thos. Mostyn (died 10th July, 1751, aged 59). A remembrance book is on display, and contains mementoes of Caerwys
men who gave their lives in the service of their country. An interesting list of past clergy is on display near the vestry.
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Please click on the above photograph whereby
you will be re-directed to the official web site of St. Michael’s Church
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Contact Details and
Services information for St. Michael's Church
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Venerable Andy Grimwood Archdeacon of St. Asaph |
Venerable Andy Grimwood -
Archdeacon of St. Asaph Tel: 01352 720478
Assistant Priest - Reverend Vera Lewis Wardens Mr. Roland Ward Tel: 01352 721321 Mrs Elizabeth Lord Tel: 01352
721103 |
Please visit the official web site of St. Michael's Church
- by clicking on the following link http://stmichaels-caerwys.org.uk Details of Services at St. Michael’s Church Sunday Services 11.00am - Morning Worship on the 1st
Sunday of the month 11.00am
- Holy Eucharist on the 2nd, 3rd,4th and 5th Sundays’
of the month
St Michael’s Church - Renovations 2017
'In September, 2017 St Michael's Church was renovated. The
photographs at the bottom of this web site page, show the church before the renovation.
The repairs to the plasterwork, the windows, the flooring and the roof will maintain the integrity of this
ancient building for a generation. We have also taken the opportunity to
adapt the church for 21st century worship and community use. As a result of this project, the church will be warmer, people
will sit in more comfort, they will be able to hear better, and to see what is going on more clearly. There is now a new toilet and a kitchen area. No more searching for the Portaloo in the churchyard, or going
out to the tap outside for water to fill the kettle.
The chancel
is now an open area, and the low wooden screen that was placed there in 1905 has been relocated along the North wall. In the
chancel the Rector will lead services, choirs will sing, and nativity plays will be performed, all in clear sight of those
seated in both naves. The old wooden floors have been sanded and
sealed, and the lighting has been vastly improved. The aim of this has been to highlight the memorials, the windows, the altar
and the carvings which make the church such a beautiful heritage site. The carpet has been removed to reveal beautiful
Victorian tiling, which has been carefully restored. All this work has been
possible because of the immense generosity of members of the St Michael’s Church congregation, the St Asaph Diocese,
and of the following grant-awarding bodies: The Heritage Lottery Fund,
The National Churches Trust, The Garfield Weston Foundation, The James Pantyfedwen Foundation, The Maude Yeardye Trust, and
The All churches Trust. We have counted our blessings throughout
the project. The work has been undertaken by Gareth Williams
Joinery, a local firm who specialise in work in ancient churches. Their own tradespeople and their sub-contractors have proved
skilful, and sensitive to the need to get the detail right. They have gone out their way to restore the church sympathetically.
Robin Wolley, the Project Architect is amongst the most experienced and talented conservation architects. He has overseen
it with care and imagination.
Photographs - following the above renovations
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The North Nave there are two wall monuments in this nave,
one to Rev. John Lloyd (Rector) and another dated 1702. Facing the organ are two large 18th century stone tablets bearing
the ten commandments. On the North Wall, facing the Chancel is a 17th century picture of the Royal Coat of Arms. The Font dates from 1661
and the adjacent stone panelling
is also 17th century. The organ and font cover were erected by public subscription in 1910.The beams above this nave are particularly
well preserved and a good example of workmanship from the early perpendicular period
The North East window consisting of five lights and representing the Ascension of Our Lord, was given in 1924 in memory of Alfred
Evans and Thos Jones, both of Caerwys. The two other windows in the North Nave comprise a stained glass window representing
the Nunc Dimittis, erected in 1920, and a venerable plain glass window dating from the time when plain glass was the norm
in churches and cathedrals.
Above the altar is a five-light window depicting a comprehensive
scene of the Crucifixion. Tracery lights contain angels holding instruments of the Passion and three representing faith, hope
and love. It was unveiled in 1928 in memory of A E Lewis, cousin of the late Sir J H Lewis, M P of Penucha.
The Reredos (ornamental screen at the back
of the altar) was given by the Rev. J Sinnett-Jones in memory of his two sons and son-law, all killed in the Great War. It
is of carved oak and depicts St Paul, Melchizedek and St. John.
The
panelling around the church, and the pulpit, date from the 17th century, and consist of wood recycled from old pews. The oak
credence table was given to the church in 1928 in memory of the Rev. Thos. Lloyd Bell, a native of Caerwys who ministered
in Aberdeen.
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Records and Artefacts
There is a substantial collection of pictures
and photographs relating to the history of the church and its incumbents. Church registers date from 1675. Sacred vessels
date from the early 18th century. All these can be viewed by arrangement with the Rector
St. Michael's Church Tower
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The tower, as far as the ridge below
the clock is 13th century work, although it is possible that the base of the structure contains stones from a much earlier
building. The bell chamber was added during the latter half of the 17th century and house four bells, three comparatively
new, but the fourth is a 700 year old "Sanctus Bell" bearing the inscription "Tradis Campenani" (Thou
Teachest, O Little Bell).There is a sanctuary ring
in the tower door, one of only two in Wales. In the belfry is a box of bibles, each one bearing the following note:- "This book belongs to Caerwys
Church, John Lloyd, Rector, 1792. Printed by his Majesty's special command."The clock in the tower was installed, as a result of public subscription, in 1915. It commemorates Bishop
Rowland Ellis, 1840 - 1911, who was born in Caerwys.
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St. Michael's Porch was erected in 1904,
in memory of Thomas and Mary Evans, of the Royal Oak, Caerwys. Funding was provided by their daughter Mary Billington, son
Alfred and grandson Thomas Jones.
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Plaque to Commemorate the building of St. Michael’s
Porch in 1904
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There are two fine 13th century lych
gates ( Main lych gate to Church pictured ) and a sundial dating from 1608. Doors from the churchyard give access to
The Rectory and the old school (now a private dwelling). A new voluntarily aided church school in Lon yr Ysgol, opposite the
church, opened in 1983.
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Photographs - prior to the 2017 renovatons
Christians
of all denominations are welcome to attend all services and share in the fellowship of St Michael's Church - here
in Caerwys
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