Whepstead Parish Church

The parish church of St. Petronilla is situated just off the B1066, at one of the highest points in Suffolk. There has been a Christian place of worship on the site since Saxon times and the present church building dates, in part, from the 13th Century, although like most church buildings it has been added to and adapted in almost all the centuries since then. Its dedication of St. Petronilla is thought to be unique in a parish church, although there is some uncertainty as to who Petronilla really was. There is a tradition that she was a Roman serving girl, sometimes referred to as St. Peter's daughter and often depicted in pictures holding a key for him,

St. Petronilla has been home to a worshipping community of Christians for about 1000 years and remains so to this day. It is part of the Horringer Benefice of churches which includes churches in the villages of Brockley, Horringer and Westley as well as Whepstead. A service is held in the church almost every Sunday and new members and visitors are always most welcome. The usual Monthly pattern of worship is:

1st Sunday 11am Eucharist (Common Worship)

2nd Sunday 8am Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer)

3rd Sunday 11am Morning Prayer (Book of Common Prayer)

4th Sunday 9.30am Eucharist (Book of Common Prayer) or on alternate months, Eucharist (Common Worship) at St. Andrew's Brockley

5th Sunday 10am Benefice Eucharist (Common Worship) in rotation in each church

Check the monthly rota for details of upcoming services

Whepstead church provides a peaceful, tranquil and quiet place in which to worship. The building conveys an understanding of an unchanging, peaceful and caring God. The church is a place of welcome and of caring fellowship. It is a support for those in difficulty and enables much of the pastoral care within the village. The church is supported very well by many of the villagers who along with church members organise very successful fund raising and social functions throughout the year

The church building is locked when not in use, except for occasional Saturdays during summer. It is well cared for and is in a good state of repair following the thorough restoration in the 1980's and 90's. The building is used for concerts as it has a very good 2 manual pipe organ. The church tower has a peal of five bells.

The church yard around the church is closed and cared for by the council. There is an open graveyard on the opposite side of the road.

Church Guide

A new excellent Guide on our Church has been compiled by Bryan Steward and is available at the Church - price £2.50

Whepstead Parochial Church Council

Treasurer:  Robin Drayton Tel: 01284 830322

Church Wardens:  Becky Drayton Tel: 01284 830322 and Gillian Aitkens Tel: 01284 735258

Our Rector:  Rev'd Anita Rooney Tel: 07775 576200 rev.anitarooney@gmail.com

Pastoral Care Team: We have a pastoral care team which serves the four villages in our Benefice. This is for anyone who would like a confidential chat, someone to listen, possibly prayer, or missing being able to come to church. If you, or anyone you know (with their permission) might benefit, don't hesitate to contact the Rev'd on 01284 735325 or email horringer.rectory@:gmail.com