Welcome to our five churches in the heart of beautiful north Cornwall, which together form the Camel-Allen Benefice. Our churches offer peace and tranquillity and a warm welcome. You may live in the area or be visiting on holiday and seek a few moments of peace in the middle of a busy day or you may wish to attend a service – whatever the reason for your visit, we welcome you. We aim to share God’s love through Deed and Word; we hope this is your experience with us.
Away from the busy tourist centres, the church of St. Julitta at Lanteglos stands peacefully in its quiet valley two miles from the centre of Camelford. Parts of the church date back to Norman times and it is surrounded by a beautiful churchyard that is full of wildflowers.
In contrast, it’s “daughter” church, dedicated to St. Thomas of Canterbury, was built in the 1930’s in the centre of Camelford, just off the main carpark. It has a lovely simple interior with a beautiful stained-glass window. As well as monthly services and festivals it is a centre for social gatherings.
The 13th century church of St. Adwena at Advent may seem isolated on the edge of Bodmin moor with only isolated hamlets and farmsteads in the parish, but the number of footpaths that meet at the church give clues to its earlier importance to those who worked on the land. Now walkers and visitors find a welcoming place to rest a while and soak in the peace of this special place that has been prayed in for generations and maybe enjoy a cuppa from the hospitality tray!
The medieval church of St. Tetha is at the very heart of the village of St. Teath, and part of this vibrant community which has expanded considerably in recent years. Visitors from all over the world leave messages in the visitors’ book, praising the peace and serenity of this 15th century building.
The village of Delabole grew up around the famous Delabole Slate Quarry so it is appropriate that the church of St. John the Evangelist built in the 19th century has a magnificent slate altar and candlesticks. This church is also the village community rooms, which, like the mother church at St. Teath, is proud of its strong community spirit.
All our churches are open in the daytime, St. John’s Delabole from April to October and the other four churches throughout the year. Please feel free to visit, relax, and enjoy.
Three Parishes, five Churches, one Benefice: led by our Curate, Readers and Churchwardens, we are a family, proud of our own churches but devoted to working together for congregations and community. We look forward to welcoming our new Rector, Rev’d Nicki Farr, who will be licensed on 7th March 2024.
“Dear Lord, our God and Father, in this time of transition, give us eyes to see Your presence in our lives, ears to listen to Your will, lips to speak Your words and hands to do Your work. Grant us grace and go before us, as we seek Your Holy Spirit’s counsel, as we live in community during this time, and as we prepare for the arrival of a new priest in our midst. We pray this through Jesus Christ, and for the sake of His Kingdom, in sure and certain hope of Your promises to us. Amen”
We look forward to welcoming you to our Benefice.