The Parish Church of St Leonard Clent In the Diocese of Worcester eos > St. Leonard’s To Visitors We welcome you to this ancient Parish Church of St Leonard, a 6" century saint of France and Patron of prisoners and the sick. There was a church on this site in the 12 century and possibly there was a building before that. A rebuilding took place in the 15" century and much remains of this work. The last reconstruction was in the mid 19 century. We are therefore heirs of some eight hundred years of history and invite you to share in this by following the suggested route to look at this House of God.1.Porch was built, replacing an earlier one, in 1864/65. 2.Font is modern and made of stone with cushion pattern. 3.South Aisle originally built c.1170, was rebuilt and enlarged to its present condition in 1864/65. A list of the priests who have served here from 1199 to the present hangs on the south wall. At the east end of this aisle stands 4.Lady Chapel furnished in 1964. That this was the ancient site of an altar is shown by the remains of an ogee-headed piscina of the 15" century in the south wall. 5.Lectern is modern and made in carved oak eagle-pattern. 6.Chancel and Sanctuary deviate to the south and were reconstructed c. 1440. They are raised above the level of the nave because the family vault of the Amphletts, Squires and Lay Rectors whose memorials are on the south wall, is underneath. The east window is the original traceried window of five lights with sequintal pointed head, ribbed on inside. The High Attar and the stalls all of oak were installed in 1956, replacing Victorian woodwork, which in turn replaced the Jacobean work. There is another piscina similar to the one in the Lady Chapel. Attention is drawn to the splendid modern embroidery in and around this part of the church. Look up to see the barrel roof of the early 15" century ~ of the type known as trussed rafter. 7-Pulpit modern and of carved oak. 8.North Aisle was originally constructed in. 1837 with iron arcades. It was rebuilt and enlarged to its present condition with stone arcades in 1864/65. The Children's Corner was made in 1946. The organ and vestry stand beyond this. 9.Nave separated from the Chancel by the 15” century arch was reconstructed in 1864/65. The south arcading is of three bays. Portions of 12" century masonry are retained and the west respond is original 12" century work.10.Tower separated from the nave by an arch and a modern oak screen was built in the 15% century. It houses a ring of eight bells ~ some of which are probably medieval in origin, four being recast and a fifth added in the 17 century, the sixth being added in the 18" century and the last two at the end of the last century - and the clock. Conclusion Té our visitors have followed the suggested itinerary you will now have finished your tour of our church. If you will stand with your back to the tower and look towards the east window you will see the complete building. In this, generations of villagers and your fellow visitors have worshipped God in public and said their prayers in private. All these shared in the life centered around the Font (where Holy Baptism is administered), the Altar (where the Holy Cormmunion is celebrated) and the Lectern and the Pulpit (where the Word of God is read ond proclaimed respectively). Marriage vows are exchanged under the chancel arch and at the samme spot mortal remains rest awhile before their committal either in our church yard or in a crematorium. In this church the joys and happiness, the sorrows and grief of countless people have been sanctified by being offered to God. Before you leave why not spend a few quiet moments and say @ prayer for those who worship God here and for all whe live in Clent, or who work in the village, or who visit this place? Then say one for yourself. Tf you have the opportunity you are very welcome to share in our life of prayer and praise and join in our acts of worship. *Go forth into the world in peace be of good courage hold fast to that which is good render to no man evil for evil strengthen the fainthearted support the weak help the afflicted honour all men love and serve the Lord rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit”A church was founded in Clent 1199 probably on the site where St. Leonard's now stands. There have been many changes since then. The pillars are late Norman and are very likely one of the earliest parts still standing. In the nineteenth century much of the church was rebuilt and enlarged. In the south aisle a lady chapel was provided € SOUTN alse a lady chapel was provided and in the north aisle a children’s corner. More improvements occurred after the Second World War when local ladies spent many months making the exquisite kneelers at the communion rails and also the seats in the choir stalls. The interior walls were whitewashed for the first time. Even more recently the boiler house has been rebuilt, a toilet added, and a replacement organ has been obtained which is sited at the west end of the north aisle. Si. Leonard's Church is at the heart of Cient and we are pleased to welcome you to the village community. At your Church you will find a friendly congregation who will be pleased to welcome you, have a chat or visit you at home. All ages are welcome at our services and we have a special welcome for youngsters. There is a lively Family Service on the 1* Sunday of each month and a special family area at the back of the church where small children can play during services.There is a prayer board in church for you to name anyone to be included in our weekly prayers. Please make yourself known and do contact the Churchwardens if you would like a visit or have any concern you feel they could help with. We look forward to meeting you CHURCH SERVICES Sundays 9.45am 1% Sunday Worship 4 All (Family Service) 2" & 4! Sunday Holy Communion 3™ Sunday —_Lay led service Midweek 10am Every 1° 2" and 4th Wednesday Said Communion Each 5" Sunday a Service is held at a Church in our united Benefice, which we share with St Mark's, Fairfield and Holy Trinity, Belbroughton. More details in the monthly Parish MagazineLicensed Lay Minister (Reader) Mrs Pauline Jones Churchwardens: Mrs Anne Harris Miss Rosemarie Buchan Organist & Choirmaster: Mr Harry Grove Church A dmministrator . as ry TUDE UIE © Mrs Philippa Halagan We are in an interregnum at present and have no Rector. Services are taken by visiting clergy, who are also available to take Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals.o- TASHY-Y. [I[5= 0" iL aang l } NOT =p Scare