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Christ Church ~ Henton

In 1843 land was purchased on which to build Christ Church, Henton. Whether by design or coincidence it was part of the same tithe plot on which St Thomas chapel had once stood. Plans for the new church were drawn by architect Benjamin Ferrey (1810~1860) of B Ferrey & Son, London. Lambeth Palace hold the one surviving page of the original plans which can be viewed online.

The total cost of building the church was around £1,500, a little over £1000 was raised locally and the remainder funded by church building association and others. The church was built using a local builder and local stone. Initially all windows were fitted with plain glass, however over time some have been replaced with stained glass, either in commemoration of local men who fought or died during WW1 or by parishioners in remembrance of the death of family members.

Christ Church was finally consecrated in October 1847 and William J Shearly became the first Vicar of Henton and remained so until 1870. Since that time there has been a succession of clergy and 2005 saw the appointment of Revd Angela Syer the parish's first lady priest, who now tends the benefice of Coxley+Godney, Henton and Wookey.
 

After an inspection in 1934 a warning was given that the church roof was in need of repair and that " something would have to be done soon". However, half a century later nothing had been done to remedy this and by 1988~89 numerous slates were missing from the roof. The building was also in need of re~pointing and the bell had been removed from the now unsafe bell housing. Christ Church finally underwent major restoration in early 1989.