About Us

St. Martin's forms, together with the Parishes of  St. Catherine’s in Swell, and St Andrew's in Curry Rival a ‘United Benefice’ within the Ivelchester Deanery. St. Martin's has loudspeakers & loop system installed for those with difficulty in hearing.  A ramp is available for wheelchair access.

Due to a reorganisation within the Diocese and Deanery, some time in 2025, the 3 parishes will become part of a new, larger benefice, under a different name, that will also include the parishes of St Andrew's in Aller, St Andrew's in High Ham (with Low Ham), St Mary's in Huish Episcopi cum Langport, and St Catherine's in Drayton.  In its leadership team, this new benefice will, besides a full time rector (post currently vacant), also include a half time 'Associated Priest': Rev Scott Patterson, who was licensed for this role on 28th July 2024. The 7 parishes of the to be extended benefice are jointly involved in the process to appoint a new rector.

From 28th April Rev Patterson will be responsible for the spiritual oversight and pastoral care for all seven parishes, including our own. He is therefore the first point of contact for enquiries regarding weddings, baptisms and funerals. For more general church matters please contact our Churchwarden Mrs Trish Allen.

As a church family we welcome Christians of other denominations and none, as well as seekers and visitors. We aim to grow in personal relationship with God, through his Son Jesus Christ, and in supportive relationships with each other. We value prayer and Bible study, seek God’s spiritual gifts and his courage in sharing the gospel with others.

Who do we welcome to St. Martin's? Well we rather liked this:

'We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, widowed, gay. Confused, filthy rich, comfortable or dirt poor. We extend a special welcome to wailing babies and excited toddlers. We welcome you whether you can sing like Pavarotti or just growl quietly to yourself. You’re welcome here if you’re ‘just browsing’, just woken up or just got out of prison. We don’t care if you’re more Christian than the Arch Bishop of Canterbury, or haven’t been to church since Christmas 10 years ago. We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60, but not grown up yet, and to teenagers who are growing up too fast. We welcome keep-fit Mums, football dads, staring artists, tree-huggers, latte-sippers, vegetarians, junk-food eaters. We welcome those who are in recovery or still addicted. We welcome you if you are having problems, are down in the dumps or don’t like ‘organised religion’. (We’re not that keen on it either!)

We offer a welcome to those who think the earth is flat, work too hard, don’t work, can’t spell, or are here because granny is visiting and wanted to come to church.

We welcome those who are inked, pierced, both or neither. We offer a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, had religion shoved down their throat as kids or got lost in the Somerset Countryside and wound up here by mistake.

We welcome pilgrims, tourists, seekers, doubters …and you!'

Revd. Scott 

About the building:

St Martins Church is a Grade 1 Listed Building situated in the centre of the village of Fivehead.  It is a typical medieval church of the Perpendcular period with chancel, nave, tower and south aisle.  Parts of the chance date from the 13th century and the font is Norman, probably from an earlier building.

During the Victorian restoration the south aisle was extended and the box pews and gallery removed.

There is a ring of six bells which were restored in 2007 and 3 new ropes were installed in 2011.