St Saviour Polruan

Christianity first came to Britain, during the Roman times, in the 1st to 2nd century AD.  Although the Angle, Saxon and Jute invaders brought with them their Pagan faiths, Celtic Christianity survived in the west of Britain, including in Cornwall & Devon (the Kingdom of Dumnonia). 
 
In the 8th or 9th century a chapel was built in Polruan dedicated to St Saviour.  Visible from the sea it became a landmark for sailors seeking Fowey harbour.  It also allowed the chaplain to warn of any enemy boats approaching.  The booklet ‘The Story of St Saviour at Polruan’ by Frances Eileen Burdett recalls a monk ringing the chapel bell, acting as a coastguard look out for ships in distress.
 
Sadly for St Saviour chapel the effects of the 1548 Reformation took its toll and the chapel was destroyed, but not before its much-loved bell was removed for its preservation.  But that was not the end of the story.
 
On the 4th of December 1889 the foundation stone was laid for what would become the new St Saviour church in Polruan.  The original St Saviour’s bell was located and gifted to the new church where was displayed as an historic monument to the past.  The new St Saviour church was a classic mission church & chapel at ease.  For 130 years the Victorian building conducted its services bringing joy to those who attended.  However sadly in July 2026 the Victorian building held its last service.  The cost of maintaining the building being too great for the parish to bear.  But that is not the end of the story.  The congregation were determined not to see their church lost to the footnotes of history. 
 
So now we start the next chapter in the story of St Saviour’s church in Polruan.  Following discussions, St Saviour’s church has literally moved next door from its old home into the WI Hall.  Here the church continues to hold its monthly “Café Church” services.  We continue our monthly praise & worship singing “Sing A New Song” sessions.  We continue to encourage & educate the younger members of our parish with “Open The Book”.  We continue our outdoor service activities, taking our services down to Polruan wharf to encourage people who wouldn’t normally attend church to join in the praise & worship.  Within our new home of the WI Hall, St Saviour’s church continues its proud history in Polruan with plans to further expand & develop our outreach into the community. 
 
And as for the question, what has happened to the original St Saviour bell?  This has found its new home in the main parish church, St Wyllow, where it is on display as a monument to our proud history.
 
Do come and join us in our praise & worship.  All are welcome. 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

(Hebrews 13:8)

Assemblies/Services

Thursday 28th September 2.30pm Assembly `New Starts`

 Tuesday 10th October 9.30am Harvest Festival St Saviours Church

 Monday 6th November 2.30pm Remembrance Assembly

 Monday 18th December 9.30am Christmas Service at St Saviours Hall.)

 

Safeguarding

 

Our Parish Churches are bound to ensure that children and young people as well as adults are kept safe whilst in their care as an integral part of our church life. If you have any concerns about safeguarding please contact:

Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinators

Lanreath

Mrs Sandra Pipe – 01503  220860

Lansallos

Mrs Josie Slade – 01503 220513

Lanteglos by Fowey

Mr Norman & Mrs Angie Mallard – 01726 870747 or 07791 536609

Pelynt

Rev Richard Allen – 01503 220847 or 07383621292

Talland

Mr Paul Baker – 01503 265628

In the Diocese:

Sarah Acraman Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, 01872 274351 Out of Hours for after 5pm and weekends: 01208 251300

In emergency situation: Local Authority Children’s Social Care: 0300 123 1116 Local Authority Adult’s Social Care: 0300 1234131

Talland Farewell Service

Farewell Service, Talland.
Despite it being mid morning on a weekday, with many people at work, 15 people attended today’s Holy Communion Service at St Tallan church to say farewell to the Rev.
During the service Rev Richard talked about change and hope for the future. How this marks the beginning of a new future with creative opportunities for the church.
At the end of the service Richard and his wife Harriet were presented with gifts before the congregation made their way for the celebratory farewell meal at the Punchbowl Inn, Lanreath.

St Saviour’s last service

The ending of 135 years of history. A chapter closed. But the story continues. 
St Saviour’s church, Polruan, was today packed out as 83 people and half a dozen dogs came to witness the final service. 
With the Choir in full voice the Rev delivered a thoughtful and engaging service, repeatedly reminding everyone that although the building was being sold St Saviour’s church itself continues. It’s just moving next door into the WI Hall. 
There were some lovely touches in the service including the singing the hymn The Church’s One Foundation. Originally written in 1866 by Samuel John Stone it was sung in the very first church service in St Saviour’s on the 4th of December 1889 when it was still a new and modern song. It was therefore fitting it should also be one of the last hymns to be sung. 
Surrounded by flowers and the photos and posters of the church’s past, the service was a credit to the community who helped put it together. Finally a big shout out to Kathryn who, despite her modesty, spearheaded today’s event.
Next week is the Rev’s last services before he retires. Please do come along to one of our services to give Richard a proper farewell.

St Saviour’s Flower & History Festival

St Saviour’s church, Polruan, is looking absolutely stunning with all its flowers for the Flower & History Festival. People have really put a lot of thought and effort into the displays. 
If you can’t visit it today it’s also on tomorrow and Sunday.  Do come along and witness this community effort. 
On Sunday the 5th of July there will be a final Communion Worship service in St Saviour’s church prior to its expected sale later this month. Do join us as we end this chapter containing 135 years of history. However despite the sale of the building the church body continues and St Saviour’s worship services will remain in Polruan (just next door in the WI Hall).

Frogmore Nativity 

Trelawny Benefice held its Farm Nativity last Sunday. Over a 120 people attended mainly from the local farming community. Richard Allen the Rector led an informal service with carols with the children dressing up as they arrived as the characters in the Christmas story. we had donkeys, sheep and goats with us in the barn. afterwards everyone enjoyed lots of refreshments and a good old Cornish yarn!
Richard allen The Rector of Trelawny
PS Rebecca can you pass to news in the diocese. I’m not sure if its you…

Polruan carols on quay

 

Around 50 people gathered on the Quay at Polruan for a short outdoor Carol service. The Rev preached on the importance of the gifts of the wise men. Gold fit for the king of kings, frankincense reflected it was burnt in the temple as a sign of prayer knowing that we can pray to Jesus and be in relationship with him. Myrrh reflecting that dead were embalmed with it knowing Jesus would die for us. It was all the more encouraging as a number then returned the following day for out midnight communion at Lanteglos where around 80 people were in attendance more than had been seen at this service for many years.

Richard Allen Rector of Trelawny 

Frogmore Nativity 8th December 2024

 

Trelawny Benefice conducted a barn nativity on Sunday 8th December at Frogmore Farm near Polruan. Around a 100 people were in attendance but remarkably less than 10 are regular worshippers in Trelawny Benefice. It was a real community event with lots of local farmers, their friends and children supporting the service. Plenty of nativity outfits were provided and we managed with lots of fun to create a nativity tableau. We of course had real donkeys and lambs in the stable. Everyone was able to gain a glimpse of what Christmas is all about. Richard Allen the Trelawny `Rev` regularly produces National On line services for the Church of England set in the Cornish Lanscape. Extracts of this service will be shown in the Christmas Day service.
Richard Allen Rector of Trelawny 

 

Polruan Church on the Quay

Last Sunday Trelawny Benefice welcomed the Pelynt Male Choir and the Lanreath Community Choir to their Church on the Quay in Polruan. Its an informal service with hymns and songs from the choir and some congregational hymns. Around 120 people gathered on a beautiful summers evening. `The Rev` as he`s known, Richard Allen, preached on mariners guidance through the stars, compass and technology today. He shared on the fact we all need guidance and that Jesus has a plan for each of our lives. Church on the Quay runs for 6 Saturday or Sunday nights in late July till the end of August. Its in line with the Trelawny vision to take the church to the people wherever they gather.

 Richard Allen Rector of Trelawny

 

Polruan Primary Easter service

 

The children from Polruan Primary School thoroughly enjoyed their Easter celebration service at St Saviours Polruan. All the children took part in the service with songs and readings. their Easter hats were great fun as was The Rev`s Easter message which talked of the new life Jesus can bring. The Rev even had  a large inflatable ester bunny to illustrate!

Polruan Nativity Service

 

Polruan Carols on the Quay

 

Polruan hosted carols on the quay on Saturday evening. Over a 100 people gathered to sing carols around the Christmas Tree on the Old Coal Wharf. The singing was assisted by a hastily put together community choir who did a fantastic job. The Rev retold the Christmas story through the carols sang and spoke of the importance of the Kings gifts of Gold depicting a King but the King of Kings. Frankincense burnt in the temple as a symbol of prayer reminding everyone that we can talk to Jesus through prayer and have a relationship with him. Finally myrrh which was used to embalm dead bodies again symbolically reminding everyone of Jesus love to us at Easter in dying on the cross for our forgiveness before God. We concluded with a great rendition of we wish you a  merry Christmas. £215.20 was collected for Crisis at Christmas the Rev`s Christmas Charity enabling 7 homeless people to be treated to a Christmas shelter, a Christmas lunch, a safe place to sleep over Christmas, access to meals , health care including a doctor and dentist as well as counselling. Well done Polruan!

 

Richard Allen

Frogmore Farm Nativity

 

Last Sunday Trelawny Benefice organised a Nativity on the farm at Frogmore near Polruan. Around a 100 people including lots of children gathered in this authentic place to simply act out the nativity story. There was no rehearsal, everyone just turned up and anyone who wanted to join in could dress up as a nativity character. There were real donkeys and lambs in the barn and it felt very much like a stable scene as there were plenty of farm smells. The Rev just retold the Christmas story with plenty of actions for the characters who ages ranged from 2 to 80! Afterwards everyone hung around for the traditional mince pies and mold wine. We will be at Lansallos next Sunday and Polruan at 4pm for family Christingle Services

 

Richard Allen  Rector of Trelawny

Polruan Tea

 

St Saviours Polruan hosted a coffee morning and table top sale for the Rev Daniel of Nigeria a long time friend of the church. He was visiting to celebrate 50 years of marriage and another British Tour.

Polruan church on the quay 5th August 2023

 

St Saviours Polruan hosted another outdoor service on Saturday 5th August. Over a 100 people gathered on the Quay in Polruan to be treated to Gospel music and a selection of hymns led by the Lovenly Choir of St Neot. The Rector of Trelawny Richard Allen spoke on the care and protection of Jesus who never leaves us or forsakes us and knows every hair on our head and whom can calm the storms in our hearts. He shared about lone Atlantic and round the world crossings and how the sailors in their loneliness and fear could look to God through Jesus. Norman Mallard shared a stirring testimony of God`s provision in his own life.

Around  a 100 people and a number of children gathered for the next instalment of Polruan’ s Church on the Quay. This weeks service was led by the Callington Gospel choir who shared some joyful sing along favourites. The congregation were clapping and dancing to their joyful music. The Rev this week shared on ship wrecks honing in on Paul`s own ship wreck and how no one was lost on their boat as they all trusted in God. Today many of us from time to time feel ship wrecked but Jesus is able to sustain us in our troubles.

Afterwards the choir retreated to the Russel Inn where they treated everyone to rousing Cornish folk songs.

 

Richard Allen Rector of Trelawny

St Saviours Polruan Funday

 

St Saviours Polruan enjoyed a special family fun day at the sports field in Polruan last Sunday. A number of families plus around 18 children attended which is all the more encouraging as there are only 25 children in the village school. They were entertained by water sliding provided by the local National Trust Rangers as well as fun games including rounders. They will look forward to their monthly meetings again in the autumn held on Friday nights in the village hall.

 

Richard Allen Rector of Trelawny

Polruan Church on the Quay

St Saviours Polruan held its first church on the quay service for the summer season. The singing was led by the Pelynt Male Choir. Thankfully the rain held off and over 70 people shared in the service. The Trelawny Rev, Richard Allen showed the congregation his new crab line and shared about Jesus being a fisher of men and the many exciting iniatives which take place in Trelawny as Richard feels Jesus brings, joy, peace and purpose to our lives and wants to share that with our communities we serve. There will be services every Sunday on the quay throughout August.

Richard Allen Rector of Trelawny

Polruan Harvest of the Sea Sunday 18th June 2023

Polruan celebrated Harvest of the Sea with the Polperro Fishermen’s choir. The service was led on the old coal wharf by the Trelawny Rector, Richard Allen. Up to 140 people gathered. We celebrated the fishing harvest of our sea and gave thanks for fishermen who`s job is dangerous and becoming increasingly more difficult with depleted fishing stocks. We remembered too especially the work of the RNLI who`s crews put their own life’s at risk. The Rector in his talk reminded the congregation of the sacrifice given by Trevelyan Richards and the Penlee Lifeboat crew who lost their lives at sea trying to save the crew of the Union Star off the Cornish coast in 1981. He related it as a modern day parable as Jesus himself had sacrificed his life to save others.

Polruan Messy Church

 

St Saviours Polruan held its annual Easter Messy Church on the Old Coal Wharf in Polruan on Maundy Thursday. The children shared crafts and games and an Easter Egg Hunt around the village and Quay. Around 25 children and even more adults enjoyed the Easter fun.

Polruan Kids Club

 

Everyone having fun in the village hall. Kathryn Hill organised Pancake making with the children and some traditional pancake races!

Polruan nativity

 

Polruan Messy Church Christingle

 

A group of around 40 people aged from 1 to 94 gathered in the village hall in Polruan for our Messy Church Christingle Service. It was lovely to be in this warm well apportioned space. The Rev spoke on the Christingle in that the orange represents the world in which God created, the candle reminds us of Jesus coming into the world as the light of the world and that we need to follow his light in our lives as all his ways are good and trustworthy. The Rev unravelled 30m of red ribbon around the hall as the red ribbon on the Christingle reminds us of Jesus blood shed for us on the cross to forgive us. The large length symbolised it was for everyone. Finally we looked at the sweets on the Christingle reminding us of the fruits of the Holy Spirit which God gives to us to display in our lives.
Following the fun service we all shared drinks and lots of cake!

Messy Harvest

Easter Messy Church on Polruan Quay

The children of Polruan and many visitors shared an action packed Easter Messy Church on Polruan Quay. The children were treated to a fabulous array of Easter craft activities. An Easter egg hunt around the harbour which finished off with songs and an Easter talk from the Trelawny Rev, Richard Allen. Richard shared about the fact Jesus rose again on Easter Sunday so that we can have new life with him and that one day we might rise with him in heaven. Afterwards everyone shared Easter eggs, traditional hot crossed buns and drinks.

Harvest of the Sea Polruan