St Andrew, Moretonhampstead

St Andrew’s is a granite 15th-century Dartmoor Church built on the site of an earlier 14th, possibly 12th-century, church.

St Andrew’s is prominent in the life of Moretonhampstead. Villagers value the clock and bells, the latter being rung on major national and local events. Many tourists from both the UK and abroad visit the church, which is open every day. Local singing groups use the church regularly and concerts are played by visiting musicians.

The Church

There is evidence to show that a church was built on this site in about the year 1100. The existing tower was erected in 1418 and markings on the east wall of the tower show a smaller church to have been built probably in the 13th century.

The church is built on a traditional east-west axis. It has a nave and north and south aisles. At the east end a chancel is divided from the nave by a rood screen.

Major alterations were carried out in the late 19th century to 1905. The external walls of the nave were rendered and the internal plaster work stripped out. A new oak roof structure and oak ceiling linings were provided.

New clergy and choir vestries were built with organ loft over. The chancel floor was raised and a new rood screen installed.

An extensive churchyard surrounds the church.

Typical service schedule

Services are held weekly, with two communion services a month. The services are modern with some traditional wordings retained. Members of the congregation participate in the services by reading the lessons and leading the intercessions. Hymns are sung to the accompaniment of the organ or piano.

Most months, the services are all at 9.30 am, but on a fifth Sunday, a joint service for several churches is held at 11 am, and not always in Moretonhampstead. Details of services are shown under the photos below.

First Sunday of the month	Morning Worship at 9.30 am
Second Sunday of the month	Holy Communion at 9.30 am
Third Sunday of the month	Morning Worship at 9.30 am
Fourth Sunday of the month	Holy Communion at 9.30 am

Forthcoming services & events

All services and events across North Dartmoor Parishes.

Church groups

St Andrew’s has a group of bell-ringers who regularly practise at the church and ring for special occasions. They also ring at other local churches and invite other bell ringers to ring at St Andrew’s. The Tower Captain is Julie Stansfield (07806 712084 / ).

A Flower Arrangers’ Group provides flowers in church on a regular basis and for special occasions. Contact Carol Bennett (01647 440445 / ).

Use of the church by other organisations

The church is used by local singing groups and is also hired for concerts, film shows, etc. by other local and regional groups. In addition to a fully accessible toilet, there is an area where light refreshments can be provided. Seating for about 200 people is available in the pews, with space at the rear of the church for about 20 moveable chairs.

There is no availability calendar. Bookings are made on a first-come basis. Bookings are taken by the PCC Secretary, Wendy Coombes (01647 277580 / ).

There is no church hall but the Parish Hall is very close to the church. This can be hired for church fund-raising and other functions, as appropriate.

Contact us

For matters relating to the Church, including inquiries re baptisms/christenings, weddings, funerals, or other events, please contact:

• Marie Randall, Churchwarden (not available until October)
  01647 440247 /
• Dave Forrest, Assistant Churchwarden
  07860 448311 /
• Joe Scaife, Assistant Churchwarden
  07761 493584 /

You can also connect via Facebook @Moreton Church.

Otherwise, please use the information on the Contact Us or Safeguarding pages.

How to find us

There is no parking at the church but there are two public car parks within about five minutes’ walk.

Buses from Exeter, Newton Abbot and Okehampton serve Moretonhampstead, Mondays to Saturdays.

• Address: Greenhill, Moretonhampstead, TQ13 8LL
• what3words: adjuster.snips.potions

Accessibility

• Portable ramps to access the south door
• Wheelchair-accessible toilet
• Sound system with a ‘T’ Loop
• Large-print service sheets and hymnbooks are available

Friends of St Andrew’s

The Friends of St Andrew’s are a local fund-raising group whose objective is to help with the maintenance of the church fabric. They are particularly interested in projects that will help preserve the condition of the church for the longer term. They hold fund-raising events such as quizzes, coffee mornings, etc. several times a year. They have made a major contribution to funding since 1992. Contact Kathy Warner, Secretary to The Friends of St Andrew’s (01647 441378 / ).

Donations

Donations can be made by BACS transfer to the church account (available from the Treasurer).

St Andrew’s is a Fairtrade church

We very much look forward to welcoming you!