St Raphael & St Isidore church, Petton
Brief History
Since 1159 there has been a Christian presence at Petton. From its early origins as a Motte and Bailey construction, the Church has long commanded majestic views of the surrounding Shropshire countryside - from Hawkstone to the Wrekin and across to the Stiperstones.
Rebuilt in 1727, thanks to the generosity of Richard Chambre of Petton, the church has attracted a number of outstanding features - many of them second hand! The box pews for example, one of notable features of the church, probably came from Cockshutt church when it was rebuilt in 1777. The fine Jacobean pulpit and the rerodos with its splendid carvings, were brought from St Giles, Wrexham in the mid-19th century (at that time the Revd George Cunliffe was Rector of both Petton and Wrexham!).
Perhaps the most striking of all the features of Petton church are the wonderful stained glass windows, all except one having been made by Ward and Hughes, a well known London firm of glass painters. The first window to be fitted was the fine East window depicting Holman Hunt's famous painting, 'The Light of the World'.
In more recent years the church celebrated the new millennium by giving the church a 'proper' name. Until that time it was known simply as Petton church. After consultation with the local community, two saints were chosen: St Raphael (the Patron saint of healers and sheep farmers) and St Isidore (chiefly the patron Saint of Farmers). The inaugural dedication of St Raphael and St Isidore took place on the 14th May 2000, when Bishop Keith, Lord Bishop of Lichfield, came and led a special service - an event which attracted a lot of interest - another chapter in the long history of this splendid church.
Justice & Care
As part of its commitment to St Raphael and St Isidore, when the church was dedicated, church members also committed themselves to a New Start for the world's poor. At a series of meetings the congregation identified ways in which they were already involved in issues of Justice and Care, ranging from working with the Samaritans to caring for the environment.
As a result of this exercise, they identified two projects that they would like to support during the coming years. One was the issue of Rural Stress - a real issue at the time for what is very much a predominately farming community. The other was a project in Ethiopia called Farm Africa. To date Petton church has raised a substantial amount of money (and awareness) through its various fund raising activities.
Main Activities
Although a relatively small church, visitors to Petton often comment on the warm welcome and sense of Christian community they find here. This spirit of fellowship is fostered in a number of ways during the course of the year.
- An annual "egg rolling" competition and Easter Egg Treasure Hunt around the churchyard remain a popular attraction following the Easter Day Service
- The traditional Carols by Candlelight, usually held the Friday before Christmas, continues to attract a full house, as the familiar carols and readings combine with the wonderful atmosphere of candlelight to renew a sense of wonder and adoration.
- Children and young people are very much part of the family of the church. Whether through reading lessons or leading prayers, serving at the altar, operating the 'digital organ' (Petton has no regular organist) or simply playing in the box pews (unseen but not always unheard!) the congregation at Petton encourage its younger members to grow and develop in the Christian faith in a natural and fun way.
- During the course of the year, Petton attracts a number of visitors and groups, often accompanied by a guided tour and refreshments. Recent visitors to the church have included the Shropshire Cyclists and the Mothers Union from St Giles Wrexham, the latter perhaps opening the way for a renewed relationship between the two churches
- Members of the church work very hard to raise money and awareness for the projects supported as part of our concern for Justice and Care
Petton church remains a very special place. With its sense of history and concern for living out the Christian life, the Church continues a tradition that stretches back hundreds of years. As the closing words of the church guidebook remind visitors,
"As you pass the altar, perhaps you would like to pause and remember that people have worshiped in Petton church since 1159, and bring before God your thanks for all the good things in life, and ask for his help with your problems."
For a map showing the location of this church, please click here.
