ST LEONARD AND ST CATHERINE
DRAYTON ST LEONARD
This page is no longer maintained, being part of the old website. see www.draytonstleonard.co.uk
for the new website and A Church Near You for more information on the church.
The small village church in Drayton St Leonard has been worshipped in for over 800 years.
Much of the Nave is Norman, with two fine doorways, although the Chancel was
added later. Its most striking feature is the free-standing tower, built of
massive oak and chestnut beams standing within the main building and rising
through the roof to a height of 43 feet. Internally the Victorian restoration
aimed to return the church to the style in which it was originally built, and
we have inherited a building of simple charm.
Services are held each week as follows (this is the new pattern from April 2006 on) –
1st Sunday 9.30am CHILDREN'S SERVICE
2nd Sunday 9.30am HOLY COMMUNION
3rd Sunday 9.30am HOLY COMMUNION
(followed by
refreshments)
4th Sunday 6.00pm
HOLY COMMUNION
5th Sunday (as
appropriate) TEAM SERVICE
(see * below)
Please look in the monthly Church Newsletter for up to date information.
* The church is part of the Dorchester Team. On 5th
Sundays there is a Team Service which takes place in one of the 13 churches
that comprise the Team. See the monthly Church Newsletter delivered to each house in the village or the Noticeboard in the Church Porch for details of Team Service
times and locations, and more Church information.
The congregation is made up of a mix of ages and
backgrounds, and the variety of services on offer reflects the differing needs
of all. Children and adults alike contribute to services in many ways.
The church has a fine ring of six bells and a
dedicated team of ringers who practise on Wednesday evenings and ring for two
services a month. Look at the Bellringer's page.
The church is very much part of the village, and most
of the community contributes towards its care, by attending services; by
cleaning, arranging flowers, looking after the churchyard; by financial support
or helping at the annual church fete. Social events such as the Harvest Supper
bring people together, and the church is of especial focus at times of joy or
sadness.
Further information on churches in the Oxford diocese is at www.achurchnearyou.com
. Dorchester Abbey's website is www.dorchester-abbey.org.uk
(Original - Hilarie, updates -
Webmaster Steve Cox)
