We do not know, but can surmise that there was a church in the village from Norman times. The first recorded vicar was Stephen Heym, 1260, when William of Tregrill was Patron, and a church building was consecrated in 1293. The tower is the last remaining part of that building. The chancel and nave of the present building date from the 14th Century while north and south aisles were added in the 15th. As was common in the late mediaeval period, the altars were maintained by Gilds and some of those gild accounts are extant. The spire was added later. There are six bells in the tower.
In 1478 the benefice was appropriated to Exeter College and ultimately by historical accident, became a rich living A number of distinguished vicars have held the living including Bishop William of Wykham, Lord Chancellor of England (1365), Peter Courtenay afterwards Bishop of Exeter (1477), Dr John Moreman, the first to teach the Lord’s Prayer and the Commandments in English (1529), George Hall, afterwards Bishop of Chester (1637) and Seth Ward later Bishop of Exeter and then Salisbury (1662).
Traces of the setting of the rood screen can still be seen. This was taken down during the reign of Edward VI, re-erected in the time of Mary and finally removed and burnt in the reign of Elizabeth. In 1865 the East end was extended and the high oak pews removed, destroying the original character of a typically Cornish church. The pulpit and lectern were given in 1891 in memory of Admiral Trelawny Jago, and the choir stalls erected in 1924.
What’s On at St Lalluwy?
Follow this link to discover more about services and and events. Page updated weekly.
Menheniot Parish Church today
- Parish Priest: Rev Becca Bell
- Church wardens: David Kemplen, Wendy Thompson.
- Hon. Church warden: (Merrymeet) Brian Arthur
- Hon. Secretary PCC: Jennie Harrison
- Hon. Treasurer PCC: Sonia Stevenson
- Director of Music: Lilian Hooper
- Organists: Lilian Hooper, Ruth Sargent
- Tower Captain: Bryan Bradbeer
- Tower Secretary: Sonia Stevenson
- Parish Magazine ”The Sower” Editor: Penny Prisk
- Magazine Distribution : Rob Harrison.
(See ‘The Parish Magazine for telephone numbers)
Services on Sundays
Holy Communion. 9.30 am. 2nd Sunday of the month. 11.15 am 4th Sunday of the month
Morning Prayer. 11.15 am. 1st. 3rd. Sunday of the month
Light refreshments are provided after the service and everyone is very welcome to stay and enjoy friendship
and fellowship
Weekday: First Thursday of the month 7pm said Communion
2nd, 3rd, 4th Thursdays of the month 10am said Communion
Sunday Services at St Mary’s Merrymeet
Holy Communion. 9.30 am. 1st. 3rd. Sunday of the month
9.30 am Family Service. 2nd Sunday of the month. Morning Prayer 4th Sunday of the month
A hot drink is provided at the end of the service and everyone is very welcome to stay and enjoy friendship and fellowship
Church Organisations
St Lalluwy’s Sunday Club for Children
Meet at 11 am on Sundays in the church and vestry room.
Christian teaching in a fun context is provided, the Church Calendar is followed interspersed with stories of major bible characters
Mother’s Union – Menheniot, Merrymeet, Quethiock
Meet often on a Thursday afternoon or evening In the Vestry room or a member’s home, see programme In church or vestry room. All welcome The Mother’s Union aim to support family life in the parish, and world wide, including baptisms, weddings and many church occasions
Prayer group
Meet the first Monday in the month in the Vestry Room at 7.30 pm
Cantors
Sing during Parish Eucharist on the 1st, 3rd and 4th Sundays of the month.
Anyone interested in being a Cantor during Parish Eucharist please see Lilian Hooper
Festival Choir
Sing during the major festivals of the Church. Rehearsals take place many weeks before the festival. All are welcome to come to rehearsals and take part. Dates and times are announced near the time of the festival.
Church Bells
Ringers ring the church bells before Sunday Services. They get together and ring Tuesday evenings at 6 pm in the church, should there be a change in the day or time please contact David Kemplen.
Hand Bells
The hand bell ringers meet weekly in the Vestry Room alternating, Monday at 7 pm one week and
Tuesday at 2pm the other week. All welcome. No musical knowledge needed. Come and have
fun doing something different.
Music in Menheniot
See the Music in Menheniot page
CHURCH WINDOW APPEAL
The Vicar and Church Wardens wish to announce a fund raising effort to try and repair sympathetically the windows of the Village Church. Unfortunately, although stone, they are s