The Parish of Ferrybridge

St Andrew’s Church

Ferrybridge

The Parish of Ferrybridge

St Andrew’s Church, Ferrybridge The parish church lies at the heart of the village of Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire The population of the parish is approximately 5,000.

The major centres of population are Ferrybridge, Knottingley and Pontefract, perhaps best known for its liquorice production. St Andrew’s Church is the only Anglican Church in Ferrybridge.

Location

The nearest towns are Pontefract and Castleford and the cities of Wakefield,

York and Leeds are easily accessible thanks to the position of Ferrybridge at the

A1/M62 interchange.

History

The Domesday Book records the existence of a church at Water Fryston. St Andrew’s church is of Norman origin and was originally sited in a part of the village that was liable to flooding in winter.

After the Second World War it was decided to relocate the church to a more central position, resulting in 800 years of history being preserved. In September 1953 the church, one of the last few in England to be moved virtually stone by stone, was officially opened by the Bishop of Wakefield on its present location. The church is in a good state of repair as there have been extensive improvements made over the last 15 years. We have had all the wiring replaced, all the plaster replaced and painted, a new central heating system installed and the organ upgraded. The biggest improvement was the addition of an extension to the south west corner of the church, which acts as a meeting and function room. The church has a full complement of vestments and altar frontals.

The font is located below the belfry and dates possibly from the 12th century. To the right of the font is a Norman stairway that leads to organ loft. Looking from the baptistery there is an excellent view of the early 14th century chancel arch which frames, as it were, the high altar. The church has two bells, both dating from 1663. They were recast when the church was moved in 1953

The Congregation The congregation of St Andrew’s is primarily over 30 years of age, and most of the congregation lives in the parish. There is a children’s corner located at the back of church to allow families with young children to attend services. St Andrew’s has a children’s group named Andy’s Tots, that has met every Tuesday during school term times for the last 18 years. We share an organist with the parish of St Edward’s.

Electoral Roll We currently have 98 people on the electoral roll, 74 of whom are resident in the parish.

Other Denominations and Ecumenical

Development St Andrew’s is the only church in the village. For major festivals St Andrew’s joins other denominations in the area for joint services, and we have a close working relationship with St Edward’s church

The Whitfield Suite We were given a kind donation from one of our parishioners for the sole purpose of improving the church. It was decided that we would build a new church hall onto the south west side of the church and in 2011 we opened the Whitfield Suite, named after the parishioner who made the donation, and opened by the Bishop of Wakefield. The room is used by various organisations including brownies, the luncheon club, craft and art group and Andy’s Tots. We also use it every Sunday after the main Eucharist for refreshments, and for holding the PCC meetings. The room is also available for hire for various events and for anyone holding a wedding, funeral or baptism to have refreshments after the service.

Accommodation Lying adjacent to the church, the vicarage was one of the first of the new type of vicarage built in the early eighties. It comprises 4 bedrooms, study, dining room, large kitchen, utility room, cloakroom and bathroom. There is also an adjoining garage.

Schools Past priests have had an excellent relationship with the local schools, and have acted as school governors as well as holding occasional services throughout the year. In the last few years we have had to hold two Christingle services, one for each primary school, due to them being so well attended. For a priest with a young family there are some excellent schools in the area, as well as one of the best colleges in the region at New College in Pontefract.

Finances St Andrews is very proud of the fact that we have paid our parish share for at least the last 35 years, and we are confident that we will continue to achieve this. We also have money invested with the Church of England’s Central Board of Finance.

Services Sunday 8.00am Holy Communion (Common Worship) 10.45am Parish Eucharist (Common Worship) Thursday 10.00 am Holy Communion

Pastoral and Other Assistants St Andrews has a baptism visitor and there are four members of the congregation licensed to administer the chalice.

Development in the Life of the Church We would describe the churchmanship of St Andrew’s as traditional Church of England.

The PCC and congregation see the following as priorities:

The nurture of all the congregation, especially its youngest members.

Outreach to all inhabitants of the parish.

We are looking for a family oriented minister to take us forward with a strategy we have put in place for family worship (i.e. Mothers and Toddlers group, a crèche in church for use during services and a very good baptism policy)

A Statement of the qualities and attributes that

the PCC wish to see in the new priest

Experience of parochial work.

The ability to appeal to all ages and stages of Christian growth.

A willingness to work with other Christians/clergy and lay people in the area

The ability to encourage the congregation to use their skills and gifts.

The ability to lead and develop inspiring yet traditional worship.

A commitment to the church’s ministry in Ferrybridge.

To maintain contact with the schools in the parish.

An ability and willingness to work with the PCC and go forward with consensus.