St Mary's

 

Taken from ‘A Brief History of Burton Parish Church’ by Rev. John Hale

St. Andrews Chapel

According to the Pembrokeshire Volume of the Royal Commission of Ancient Monuments, the oldest part of the present church is St. Andrew’s Chapel and it is fairly clear that this was the original church around which the other parts have grown. The Chapel has a modern three-light window at the east end, which is probably a copy of the original, and on the south side six narrow lancet windows of the Early English period which, thought restored, are those of the first church.  In the west wall is a partly blocked doorway and above it a small pointed window.

The modern altar and seats were given by church members in loving memory of Revd. J.M.C. (Robin) Harries who served as Rector of Burton from 1959 until his tragic death in 1965 aged 37 years.

 

The Main Building

The main structure, except the modern north side, appears to have been added at the end of the 13th century or the beginning of the 14th century.  A new church was built to the north of the original building, the east of which was kept in line with the existing east wall and the earlier church became St. Andrew’s Chapel.  The Chapel was connected with the new Chancel by an opening of three plain pointed arches resting on square piers formed out of the walling.

The Sanctuary

The east window, above the high altar, is a very effective representation of the Crucifixion by Hardman and Company.  The good quality of the stained glass has been commented on. 

The excellent needlework of the Ladies Guild can be seen in the Sanctuary carpet, cushions and hassocks. Ancient Christian symbols have been used.

On the south side of the High Altar is a small piscine (Lat., basin) which at one time would have been used for washing the Priests hands, chalice and paten at Holy Communion.  The piscine had a drain connected with the earth to receive used water.

The Chancel Tomb

The tomb which occupies the centre of the Chancel is that of Richard Wogan, a benefactor of the church, who lived in the parish at Milton.  In his Will dated 23rd November 1540 he bequeathed ‘to the church 6s 8d, the one half to the Chancel and the other half to the body of the church’.  He also stated in his Will that he wished to be buried before the High Altar.

He was a descendant of the famous Wogan family of Pembrokeshire who possessed

homes and land at Wiston, Picton, Boulston, Milton, Stonehalland Llanstinan.  Also in Ireland, England and France.  Ten served as Sheriff in Pembrokeshire and six as Member of Parliament.

Over the tomb is a slab bearing a cross regale and two shields.  It appears that this is of an earlier date and was discovered in the churchyard.  On the west face of the tomb one can see Richard Wogan’s coat of arms and his initials RW.  The sides of the tomb are decorated with heraldic shields, one bearing the punning device of the sails of a  windmill above a beer cask (tun) meaning mill tun or Milton.

 

 

Sanctus Bell

It seems that the bells once situated in the Tower were subsequently installed in either St. Mary’s or St. Thomas’ church in Haverfordwest. The only bell available today, for summoning people to participate in divine worship, is the Sanctus Bell.  The bell-ringer stands on the Chancel step, in full view of the congregation.  Young Sunday School members soon master the knack of ringing this Bell.

Apparently, many years ago, Mr Fred Rees, a member of the church choir, was accidentally locked inside the church.  Fortunately, Fred had the presence of mind to ring the Bell loudly and clearly until a friend returned to release him!

 

Lectern

The Lectern is in the traditional style of an eagle with outstretched wings.  It is said that eagles fly higher than any other bird and is not dazzled by the sun.  The eagle is the symbol of the Gospel according to St. John because he, of all the New Testament writers brings mankind closest to eternal truths.

 

Pulpit

The Pulpit is carved in oak. And is a platform for the preacher.  Sermons are shorter today and are referred to as ‘sermonettes’ by retired clergy.  The late Revd. Professor Wood of Lampeter University once made his feelings clear, saying with a smile, ‘semonettes help to make Christianettes’.

Leper Squint

to locally as the ‘leper On the north side of the Chancel arch is an alcove which is referred squint’.  It is possible that, before the north aisle was added, this alcove was an exterior window through which lepers could see the Altar and the elevation of consecrated bread and wine by the priest.

War-Memorial Window (left) The beautiful stained –glass window was erected in 1922.  Here we observe the uniforms worn by soldiers, sailors and nurses in 1914-18.  On the pillar nearest this window are two brass plaques which record the names of the men of our parish who lost their lives in 1914-18 and 1939-45.  Bishop John Lloyd (right) On the north side of the Nave, on the pillar nearest the pipe- organ, is a carved stone likeness of Bishop John Lloyd.  He was Rector of the parish from 1672-1686 when he became Lord Bishop of St. David’s.

Tower

The tower is of three storeys, the lowest vaulted, and terminated with the usual battlements.

Pipe-organ

The impressive pipe-organ is around 100 years old and is situated in a gallery at the west end of the Nave.  It is unusual to find a church pipe-organ in such a position yet it has proved to be most helpful to the singing. This two-manual instrument, consisting of approximately 500 pipes, is regularly and carefully maintained. 

 

Font

The Font is situated, as in all churches, near the main door signifying that Holy Baptism marks the beginning of life as a Christian.  This Font probably dates back to the original church.

 

Churchyard Preaching Cross

On the south side of the Churchyard is the Preaching Cross.It is generally believed that this is the sole surviving Cross of three that stood at various points in the parish.

 

Holy Well and Immersion Baptistry

On the south side of the churchyard is the Holy Well of the church which has occasionally been used as an Immersion Baptistry.  It was possibly constructed in 1865-67 when the church underwent a thorough restoration.  Also, at this time a number of churches were acquiring Immersion Baptistries in response to the rapid growth of Baptist churches and the practice of adult Baptism by total immersion.  The first recorded at Burton churchyard took place in 1867.  Although there are only eight occasions when total immersions were recorded, the opportunity of outdoor Baptism by immersion in water supplied by a spring must have had some attraction.

At one time the Well was the only water supply in the village of Burton. 

When the village pump was erected and the Well was bricked up, angry villagers demolished the brickwork.  A sample of Well water was sent for analysis and found to be of excellent quality, so the matter was dropped.