The parish church of St Petronilla’s is situated just off the
B1066, at one of the highest points in Suffolk. There has been a
Christian place of worship on the site since Saxon times and the
present church building dates, in part, from the 13th
Century, although like most church buildings it has been added to
and adapted in almost all the centuries since then. Its dedication
of St Petronilla is thought to be unique in a parish church,
although there is some uncertainty as to who Petronilla really was.
There is a tradition that she was a Roman serving girl, sometimes
referred to as St Peter’s daughter and often depicted in pictures
holding a key for him,
St Petronilla’s has been home to a worshipping
community of Christians for about 1000 years and remains so to this
day. It is part of the Horringer Benefice of churches which
includes churches in the villages of Brockley, Horringer and
Westley as well as Whepstead. A service is held in the church
almost every Sunday and new members and visitors are always most
welcome. The usual Monthly pattern of worship is:
1st Sunday 11am Book of Common Prayer
Mattins
2nd Sunday 8am Book of Common Prayer
Communion
3rd Sunday 11am Common Worship
Eucharist
4th Sunday 11am Book of Common Prayer
Communion
5th Sunday 11am Benefice Eucharist in
rotation in each church
Whepstead church provides a peaceful, tranquil
and quiet place in which to worship. The building conveys an
understanding of an unchanging, peaceful and caring God. The church
is a place of welcome and of caring fellowship. It is a support for
those in difficulty and enables much of the pastoral care within
the village. The church is supported very well by many of the
villagers who along with church members organise very successful
fund raising and social functions throughout the year
The church building is locked when not in use,
except for occasional Saturdays during summer. It is well cared for
and is in a good state of repair following the thorough restoration
in the 1980’s and 90’s. The building is used for concerts as it has
a very good 2 manual pipe organ. The church tower has a peal of
five bells.
The church yard around the church is closed and
cared for by the council. There is an open graveyard on the
opposite side of the road.
February 2012
Church Guide
A new
excellent Guide on our Church has been compiled by Bryan Steward
and is available at the Church – price
£2.50
Whepstead Parochial Church Council
Secretary: - Lizzie
Nutt
01284 735656
Treasurer: - Robin
Drayton 01284 735210
Church Warden: - Becky
Drayton 01284 735210
- Colleen Antrobus 01284 735373