Benson St Helen, Benson

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The Parish Church of St Helen in Benson lies in a large village on the River Thames about 12 miles from Oxford and at the foot of the beautiful Chiltern Hills.

The first church was built of wood by St Berin in about 636. Offa erected a stone building in the eighth century which probably lasted until the Norman period.  The Norman church consisted of a nave and chancel with little or no ornament.  In 1200 it was enlarged with the addition of two side aisles; the  side walls were replaced by pillars and the chancel was rebuilt to match.  The font dates from this period.  The lancet window in the east wall of the south aisle was originally in the corresponding position in the north aisle.  It was discovered, having been lost, when the vestry arch was cut through in 1861.  The main door dates from 1350 and is now preceded by a porch erected in 1923 in memory of Revd. J.E.Field who was Vicar for 41 years.  In 1350, along with other alterations, a new timber roof was built. In the reign of Henry VII a rood loft was erected and some traces remain.  

The current tower dates from the eighteenth century when it was built with a ring of six bells.  The expense was to be met from the revenue of the church lands and subscriptions but these fell short and the project was delayed for some years.  In the event eight bells, from a Mr Janaway of Chelsea, were hung in the tower at a cost of £164 and are still rung every Wednesday evening and for services.  The current ringing chamber was constructed as part of the re-ordering of the church in 1971 and the bells were re-hung in a new frame in 2009.

In 1806 the north aisle was reconstructed after the architect at the time noted it to be in a very decayed and dangerous state. Despite the work, the north walls continues to lean outwards.

The chancel was rebuilt after 1861 when plans to merely renovate it were scotched by the discovery that the foundations were insecure. The organ dates from 1903.  In 1971, as part of the re-ordering, the font was moved from the main door to the east end of the north aisle and an altar was placed on the chancel steps. The oak beams in the roof were cleaned and the carvings restored to their original colours.

In 1999 the roof was replaced again and the Canons' Room was built with a kitchen and toilets.  The Canons' Room is a good venue for meetings and parties seating about 60 people.  It is used every Sunday for refreshments after the Parish Communion.  Contact us for details of hire rates and availability.

Further information can be found in church including details of the vicars and churchwardens of the parish.  

Information about those buried in the main churchyard and the new churchyard on the other side of Church Road can be found using the documents on the right hand side of this page.  Please note that whilst records may indicate the names of those buried in the churchyard, not all graves are marked with monuments.
 

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Revd. John Burrell (Vicar)
The Vicarage,
Church Road,
Benson,
Wallingford
Oxon OX10 6SF
Tel: (01491) 832008
  • Special Events
  • Regular Services
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Printer friendly list of events
Palm Procession
Procession of Palms, with a donkey from the Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary, to the church for Dramatic Reading of the Passion and Eucharist of Palm Sunday. Please meet in the village centre at 9.45 to join the procession.
Sunday 1st April 2012 at 9:45 AM for 1½ hours
Family Friendly Coffee
 
Maudy Thursday
Institution of the Lord's Supper with Foot Washing and Stripping of the Sanctuary
Thursday 5th April 2012 at 7:30 PM for 1 hour
 
Easter Vigil
Vigil Readings, the New Fire and lighting of the Paschal Candle, Renewal of Baptismal Vows and Communion for Easter.
Saturday 7th April 2012 at 8:00 PM for 1 hour
Common Worship
 
Annual Vestry Meeting & Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Annual Vestry Meeting for the election of churchwardens followed by the Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting. All those listed on the electoral roll are welcome to attend and vote.
Sunday 22nd April 2012 at 11:30 AM for 1 hour
 
Printer friendly list of events

Sunday

Holy Communion
Book of Common Prayer Liturgy with Authorised Version Readings
Every Sunday at 8:30 AM for ½ hour
Book of Common Prayer
PARISH EUCHARIST
Common Worship Order One
Every first second fourth and fifth Sunday at 10:00 AM for 1 hour
Family Friendly creche Coffee Common Worship
Eucharist for the Whole Family of God
An all-age worship service with children in church and our own Orchestra leading the music. Third Sunday of the month.
Once a month every third Sunday at 10:00 AM for 1 hour
Family Friendly creche

Wednesday

Morning Prayer
Every Wednesday at 8:30 AM for ½ hour
Holy Communion
Holy Communion in the Day Room at the Millstream Centre on the first Wednesday of each month.
Please check the pew sheet every first Wednesday at 11:00 AM for ½ hour
Common Worship

Thursday

Women's House Group
An opportunity to meet and discuss church related subjects at 12 Chiltern Close, Benson. For more information contact Sylvia Baker 01491 832336.
Every second Thursday at 2:00 PM for 1 hour
Study Group
A group which meets at 12 the Moorlands to study and discuss the readings for the following Sunday's service
Every fourth Thursday at 7:45 PM for 1 hour
Printer friendly list of events
Pancake Party
Mark Shrove Tuesday with a Pancake Party at Flint House Churchfield Lane chez Perry. Light snacks and fresh baked pancakes made using Fairtrade ingredients will be on offer. Please bring your own (preferably Fairtrade) drinks. Tickets on sale soon.
Tuesday 21st February 2012 at 7:30 PM for 2 hours
Ash Wednesday Eucharist
Eucharist with hymns and Imposition of Ashes.
Wednesday 22nd February 2012 at 7:30 PM for 1 hour
Moonrakers Concert
The band Moonrakers will perform Celtic Traditional and Contemporary songs and tunes in church. All profits in aid of the church. Tickets £10 (£8 concessions) from Derry's Den in Benson High Street or call 01491 826363 or email cjmjward@supanet.com.
Saturday 25th February 2012 at 7:30 PM for 2 hours
Parish Retreat to Holy Island
A Parish Retreat to Holy Island in Northumbria from Monday 27th February to Friday 2nd March. For more details contact the Vicar
Monday 27th February 2012 at 12:00 AM
All Day Event
Parish Retreat to Holy Island
A Parish Retreat to Holy Island in Northumbria from Monday 27th February to Friday 2nd March. For more details contact the Vicar
Monday 27th February 2012 at 12:00 AM
All Day Event
Parish Retreat to Holy Island
A Parish Retreat to Holy Island in Northumbria from Monday 27th February to Friday 2nd March. For more details contact the Vicar
Tuesday 28th February 2012 at 12:00 AM
Parish Retreat to Holy Island
A Parish Retreat to Holy Island in Northumbria from Monday 27th February to Friday 2nd March. For more details contact the Vicar
Wednesday 29th February 2012 at 12:00 AM
Parish Retreat to Holy Island
A Parish Retreat to Holy Island in Northumbria from Monday 27th February to Friday 2nd March. For more details contact the Vicar
Thursday 1st March 2012 at 12:00 AM
Parish Retreat to Holy Island
A Parish Retreat to Holy Island in Northumbria from Monday 27th February to Friday 2nd March. For more details contact the Vicar
Friday 2nd March 2012 at 12:00 AM
PCC Meeting
Meeting of the PCC in the Canons' Room to receive the examined accounts and conduct other business
Tuesday 13th March 2012 at 7:45 PM
Sunday School Youth Group Bell Ringing Live Music / Concerts Regular Choir Grade 2* Listed Building Conservation Area Supports Fairtrade goods Tower Floodlighting Stained glass Guidebooks / notes Organ Audio Visual Facilities Hall for hire Church Open Nurture Courses Wheelchair Access / Ramp Wheelchair accessible toilets Hearing / Induction Loop Large Print Hymnbooks / Orders of Service Assistance Dogs Toilets Baby Changing Facilities
Bookings

Hall Booking Secretary 8 Church Road Benson Wallingford OX10 6SFCosts on application to Secretary

Visit our Church

The church is open during regular service times and at other times by arrangement with the Vicar or Churchwardens.

Nurture Courses

Emmaus - Courses in Lent / Eastertide

 
Other information
The Revd Godfrey {John} BURRELL
Benson Vicarage, Church Road
Benson
Wallingford
(01491) 201668
A Church Near You ID: 33
Style of worship: Central Eucharistic
Our Patron: Christ Church Oxford
Archdeaconry: OXFORD (271)
Deanery: ASTON & CUDDESDON (27101)
Benefice: Benson (27/044 M)
Parish Legal Name: Benson (270101 27/101)
CofE Church Info: (627101 27/101)
Short URL: acny.co.uk/33/
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Current Editor: Chris Ward

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