Creech St Michael Parish Church

Brief History

The Parish Church is probably the most ancient building in the Parish. Parts of the building date back to the 12th Century. The Church can be found at the southern end of the village. It came into the ownership of the priory of Montacute in 1362 and a vicar was appointed for the first time and the church was dedicated to St Michael. Next door to the church stands the Riverside Inn which was also once a monastic building and it is believed that this was where the monks brewed their ales. The monks would give shelter and food to passing strangers.

The parish registers date back to 1668 and the entries to 1837 have been transcribed. Some of the Registers are held at the Somerset Record Office.

The building consists of chancel, four bays, aisles and a tower on the southern side.The nave has a fine 15th Century wagon roof and there are several medieval wall paintings inside the church. The Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society visited the church in 1937 and their report makes interesting reading. Since then the church has undergone much restoration.

The Organ
A Holdich organ, dating from about 1860 and which had served Rockwell Green Baptist Church until it closed in1984, was purchased by Creech St Michael parish church and was installed in 1985.

Wall Paintings
All around the church there are wall paintings of biblical texts.

The Gallery
The gallery was built in 1826 and was used by the musicians who accompanied the congregation before the installation of the organ.

The Bells
The tower on the south side contains six bells. In 1870 there were only 5 bells, the last one being added sometime after this and probably early in the 20th Century.

Events
Combined choirs sing “Crucifixion” by John Stainer on Friday evening 2nd April at 07.30pm at the Parish Church, Creech. The choirs of Creech St Michael Parish Church and Stoke St Gregory Parish Church, together with Friends from Creech Baptist Church and other Taunton choirs, are joining together to sing “Crucifixion” by Dr John Stainer on Good Friday evening at 07.30pm in the Parish Church. The soloists will be Leslie Baker (tenor) and David Mills (bass). Come and join us – admission free, with a retiring collection to contribute to expenses.

Photos
Please visit our gallery for various photos of St. Michael's Church.

Contact Details
Rev. Ian Aldersley Priest-in-charge
Tel: 01823 442269
Email: aldersley_ian@yahoo.co.uk