All Saints Church
The church stands on the main road from Diss to Winfarthing. Domesday Book mentions that Shelfanger had a church; but the first known incumbent was one Eudo, Rector in 1272, the last incumbent of Shelfanger as a single benefice was the Rev. A. B. Broadbent, who died in 1962. He and his widow left a sum of money for the restoration of the church, which was carried out in 1965-66.
The present church is simple but beautiful. The porch is of timber construction of the 16th century, but there is a Holy Water Stoup to the right of the 14th century North doorway. The tower is early 14th century work; it contains 6 bells; 5 were retuned in 1974 and hung on a new steel frame; the 6th bell was presented at the same tune, and is inscribed 'In memory of Frederick and Louise Roper'.
The font dates from the second half of the 14th century. It is decorated with various motifs. The letters A.B. on the font refer to Adam Bosville, a patron of the Church in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Most of the windows in the Nave are perpendicular. At one time the church was partly thatched, but a restoration in 1865 removed the thatch as well as some box-pews, a Singer's Gallery and a 3-decker pulpit.
The Adoration of the Magi Mural
This beautiful mural was discovered during the restoration 1 965-66, a workman removing plaster sensed that there was a hollow recess on the right of the altar, and the plaster was carefully removed, uncovering this lovely painting. It was restored by Miss Eve Baker.
The Chancel seems to have been built at about 1300, but some part of it at least must have been earlier. During the 1965-66 restoration, a workman removing plaster discovered recesses on either side of the altar; in the recess on the south side was found a most beautiful mural painting of 'The Adoration of the Magi' dating from 1275 or before. This painting is one of the glories of a very lovely little church, which is lovingly cared for.
The East Window of 1876 is in memory of Albert Smith, who founded the school. Another window, installed in 1899, is in memory of the Rev. Clement Blakelock.
The churchyard is tended by local helpers, and a survey of it was made in 1982 by members of the Womens' Institute. The oldest grave to be found was dated 1790 but there were others which may have been older, not possible to read
A Church Room was erected in 1912 in Rectory Road. This was used for Sunday School and for a Young Mens' Club and other organisations. Gradually however, it became less used and was eventually sold.
Older village people remember Sunday School treats and outings, including horse and carriage trips to Diss, Wingfield Castle, Old Buckenham Hall and East Harling. On another occasion a service was held in Church, then all the children followed the Diss Town Band to the Rectory garden for sports. A village Sunday School continued until 1977; now the Sunday School at Winfarthing is attended by Shelfanger children.
The Rectory was sold in 1962, when the parish ceased to have its own rector.
©1984 members of Shelfanger WI
see also
our Church Today section
to see panoramas of the church click here
to learn more about the church bells - http://www.norwich-diocese-ringers.org.uk/southern/shelfang.htm
Baptist Chapel
The old Baptist Chapel, founded in 1765 in Common Road, now used for light industrial work, was closed in 1964. It had apparently been very well attended in the past, possibly owning to the fact that it had a local regular minister. He lived in the then Baptist Manse, now the Red House, on the corner of Common Road. In Kelly's Directory of 1904, the minister is named as the Rev. Amos John Jarrett, and his name does not disappear until 1925, since when there has been no regular minister.
Mr. Jarrett is remembered by many of the older inhabitants of Shelfanger. The Chapel was a Strict Baptist Chapel. It had seats for 400. Villagers remember Sunday School treats on the meadow at the corner of High London Lane, and a Sunday School of 27 members. However, gradually numbers decreased and at last the Chapel was closed. There had been efforts by various local preachers to boost numbers, but these had failed. The final service was a Harvest Thanksgiving.
©1984 members of Shelfanger WI
Location
Methodist Church
The first Methodist Church in Shelfanger was built in 1843, though the oldest stones to be found in the graveyard date from 1880. It was well attended and eventually in 1950, the old building was renewed.
The gallery was removed and the gallery seats brought down; these are now in front of the church. The floor was raised; formerly one had to step down into the church. Also removed was the iron post which had held up the gallery. The money for this renovation was raised by efforts of various kinds and by donations.
The opening of the renovated building was performed by Mrs. Brown, mother of Mrs. Moss, who still lives in Shelfanger. Mrs. Moss's husband, who was for 45 years a local preacher and Mrs. Kemp of New Buckenham, ran the Sunday School. There were anniversary services and Sunday School outings to Yarmouth. There is now no Sunday School, but the church still has a service every Sunday. The congregation was increased by a number of people when the Winfarthing Methodist Church was closed.
At Harvest Thanksgiving and other special occasions, the Methodist Church joins with the Parish Church and there is a great sense of co-operation between the two congregations.