"The parish comprises two old villages, Teffont Magna and Teffont Evias, straddling the B3089 and two miles south of the A303. The adult population of 250 is very mixed, with a number of people who work from home, a number of retired people and a growing number of young families with children. There are very few weekenders. The Church Electoral Roll comprises 51 people.
The parish maintains two historic churches. The larger is St Michael and All Angels at Teffont Evias, which dates back to the fourteenth century but which was extensively aggrandised in the mid-nineteenth century. The smaller and simpler is St Edward, King of the West Saxons (legally a Chapel of Ease), at Teffont Magna, which was built in the thirteenth century. Both buildings have been relatively recently reroofed and redecorated and are in excellent condition, largely thanks to a local charity, The Teffont Trust, which is supported by standing orders from 60 local families.
The village is well known for being friendly and active for those who want to join in. For instance, as well as interesting events going on at the Village Hall there are also initiatives such as the Nadder Valley Wine Circle and the Garden Club. Many and varied businesses are run from the village, and in particular Howard’s House Hotel has an international reputation, including being a desirable post-wedding venue. See www.teffont.com for more information on the village.
We have recently moved to a new service pattern of two services each month in one or other of the churches: a Family Communion, and a Community Led service which sometimes has clergy input.
There are about 30 regular churchgoers with an average attendance of approximately 10 at each routine service, 20 or so attend Community Led services and there are usually 60 plus for Festivals. There is a Parochial Church Council (PCC) of 11 people which meets four times a year, and there are six Deputy Churchwardens who are each responsible for two months in the year.
As a result of a successful Stewardship Campaign eighteen months ago the PCC is solvent. However we only have just enough regular income to cover the parish Share, and annual fundraising is necessary."
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"There are suggestions that there was a church already standing in Teffont Evias in 1100 when Harold Ewyas of Hereford was its overlord. There is no record of a church, however, until 1200, and the earliest known rector was appointed in 1298. There was no known dedication of the church until 1965, when it was decided to adopt the title of the Church of the manor of Ewias Harold in Hereford: St Michael and All Angels. The Church of Teffont Evias was accordingly dedicated by the Bishop of Salisbury on 29th September 1965, the Feast of St Michael and All Angels
The Exterior of the Church
The church is built of local Chilmark stone. It is similar to the stone used for the building of Salisbury Cathedral, but incorporates re-used material of 12th century origin. The Chancel retains some medieval walling and the north chapel was added in about 1450. The latter is the oldest part of the church which can be dated with certainty.
A drawing by J. Buckler (circa 1806), which hangs on the west wall, shows the church was originally a much simpler building without pinnacles or separate tower. The church as we see it today is the result of extensive restoration carried out by the architect, Charles Fowler, from 1821 onwards, under the direction of John Mayne. The spire and third stage were added some time between 1830 and 1843 by a talented young architect, George Gilbert Scott, who went on to work on Westminster Abbey and Winchester, Ely, Hereford and Salisbury cathedrals.
In 2011 stonemasons worked on the tower and spire of Teffont Evias church. Using rope access, they removed the greenery from the base of the spire as well as taking out some damaged stone which will shortly be replaced by new pieces cut to measure. They commented that from where they were working, the church looked as if it was in a good state of repair.
The Interior of the Church
The north-east corner of the church contains an impressive tomb with three stone effigies shown in armour. The oldest is of Henry Ley who purchased the manor of Teffont Evias from King Henry VIII in 1545 and died in 1574. The others are of two of his six sons, William who died in 1624 age 80 and Matthew who died 1632 age 87.
At the western end the font consists of a massive 'rude stone' bowl probably dating from the 12th or 13th century. Most of the woodwork of the church was installed when the church was restored in the early 19th century. The altar in the north chapel, however, is a 17th century communion table which was originally in Teffont Magna Church. There are three bells, the oldest of which is inscribed Mr William Leye 1611. The windows of the church contain a fine collection of roundels of 16th – 17th century stained glass. The roundels are believed to have been brought back from Holland by John Mayne in 1819 when he made his grand tour of the continent."
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