St Michael the Archangel
Emley , Yorkshire
This lovely village church is grade I listed and dates from the beginning of the 14th century, when stone from the demolished Norman church was reused to build the present one, in the Perpendicular style.
Opened in 1875, the church was built to serve the needs of an ageing population who had worked or were working in the local mills or colliery in the valley.
The site of the church was presented by John Kaye; the building was consecrated and dedicated by the Bishop of Ripon in 1875. In 1867 a young proactive Rector, Fitzgerald Thomas Wintour, was determined that the village of Clayton West needed an Anglican presence. Previously villagers worshipped at High Hoyland All Hallows (built c1150 to c1170 and now a deconsecrated building).
There is much to see within the building, including:
Stonework walls of hammer dressed stone, a font in the style of the Early English period and a pulpit of Caen stone, supported by alabaster pillars.
Woodwork, the Wintour memorial to a naval captain who fought in the Battle of Jutland in 1915, a decorative reredos celebrating the lives of Celtic saints, a free standing oak altar made in the village during the 1980s, oak candlesticks and votive candle stand made in the village at the end of the 20th century and the organ screen carved by the organist in the 1950s.
Glass work, Kempe windows, from both father and son (their signature is a bale of straw, with the addition of a castle for the son's work); different glaziers designed both the north sanctuary window and the window behind the font.
The building bears the hallmarks of generosity, prayer, gratitude and the talents of both local and renowned craftspeople.