History
The Church Building of All Hallows, which means ‘all saints’, stands as a spiritual and architectural treasure in the village. From the front porch it gives views down to the sea at Ayrmer Cove, and even out to the Eddystone Lighthouse.
The origins of the site as a place of worship go back to Saxon times before the Norman Conquest, and the Yew Tree in the graveyard may date from this period. The present building was built around 1240 and the tower was added in the 14th century. It has changed little externally from that time, although the interior was extensively altered, with small pews installed by a Victorian Rector. Church services have been taking place in the church for nearly 800 years. The church in Ringmore is maintained by the Parochial Church Council and there is a Friends association helping to maintain and care for the church building and its furnishings. All are welcome to use the Church, especially by coming to the Services, but also for private prayer, meditation or as an interested tourist. The Church has three rare and unusual features that make it a ‘must see’ attraction:- The very rare medieval wall mural on the Chancel Arch. Please use the visitors book to give us your views of what this may represent. We already have six good suggestions and look for more. The rose window at the back of the Church, see the ‘Visitors Quiz’ for the story attached to this. The sundial over the main door is rare and historic. You will find a Visitors Quiz on the pew facing you as one enters the church. This provides fun along with information for adults and children on those rainy days when the beach is not enough. There are also information sheets giving much more detail on the history and architectural details, these are permanently in the Church which is open for visitors in daylight hours every day of the year.
Services
Sunday services at All Hallows are held every week, usually held at 9:30am – services and events are shown on this page. Our services are well supported by the whole village, and in the summer, numbers are swollen by visitors to the area. The services vary, with a family Holy Communion on the fourth Sunday and alternate second Sundays of each month; Family services led by Lay Readers on the first and alternate second Sundays; and on the third Sunday a family service which is rotated amongst several members of our congregation. All Hallows has a visiting organist but when not available we use an excellent Hymnal system. A “Prayer Chain” operates for anyone, including the wider community, who feels the need for prayer and is instigated as required. Visits by parishioners are organised for those in hospital or recuperating at home. There are no other faith or denomination Worship Centres or Churches in the village, so we welcome those of all faiths or none.
Banners
A recent find rolled up and tucked away in a corner of the Bell Tower were four banners depicting Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These have now been hung up for display on the West wall of the church. The Banners are backed on Crocketts Original Leather Cloth, West Ham. As far as we can determine the Saint symbolism depicted are
St Matthew - winged man. St Mark – lion. St Luke - Ox and St John - Eagle.
The banners look to be in the style of the Pre Raphaelites, a group of artist formed in 1848, giving that very Victorian feel to them. Raphael was an artist back in 1483-1520.
If anyone can provide any further information on these banners it would be very much appreciated.