History of the Church dedicated to St Helena

A tour of the Church - Inside

The North Aisle

We start with the Curtain over the North door. This Welcome Hanging was made by ladies of the village to say welcome to visitors. It depict's an arch like those of the church looking out over a scene of the wolds. The world is depicted by the globes at the top of the pillars and the word welcome in six world languages down the sides.

The north aisle has lead roof and chamfered eaves cornice. The west window is 15th Century, to the north are five 14th Century light cusped ogee headed windows in rectangular surrounds and a moulded pointed doorway. The mid-Victorian screen forming the vestry in the north west corner of the church was originally the baptistery screen of the church of the Holy Trinity, Gainsborough, now an arts centre.

The South Aisle

The south door way is believed to be original along with the second arch in the chancel. The south aisle has a single three light 15th Century Window in the east and west walls and in the south wall four three light windows matching those in the north. On the south wall is the gabled 15th Century porch. The font is also dated c.1450. The carvings in the panels are believed to be 19th century work. Immediately by the door is the plaque erected by the Jamestown Foundation of Virginia in 1960 to commemorate Willoughby's most famous son Captain John Smith .

In the corner of the south aisle is a curious gravestone dating from the 13th century. The altar nearby was formerly in the little church of East Heckington, now redundant. The pulpit lectern rests on a small brass eagle. It was originally a counterweight for a font cover and may be medieval though probably not from Willoughby.

The two Standards by the east of the south door (the Stars & Strips & the State of Virginia) frames a plaque to the memory of John Smith. This was erected by the Jamestown/Yorktown Foundation of Virginia in 1960 Placed at the end of two pews. Two Staves (or Stapps) decorated with a crown and a mitre traditionally used by Churchwardens. This pair are dedicated to the memory of the Reverend Wickham Rector of St. Helena's from 1945 to 1959. (You will find a list of Rectors to the north of the south door)

The Map is a reproduction of Virginia at time of John Smith

On the other side of door is the list of Rectors of Willoughby from 1227. The first being Revd.D T. De Willegby

A copy from the Baptism Register showing the entry of John Smith hangs in this area.

The Nave

The nave has five 14th century nave arcades, octagonal piers and capitals, double chamfered arches. The tower arch is 14th century, double chamfered, dying into the reveals. Above the arches on both north and south sides have five 14th Century paired lights cusped to both sides. The Chancel arch matches the arcade.

The Nave has Welcome Banners on the pillars. There are twelve of these each saying Welcome in the languages of the EEC (there were only twelve counties when they were made). They are made in the four liturgical colours of the church.

There is a book at the back of the church on the process of making the banners and hanging as well as a book of photographs of events by the church community.

The Chancel

Into the north chapel is an early 14th century double chamfered arch in the north wall of the chancel with sunk wave shafted reveals. Immediately behind is a probably repositioned 14th century double chamfered arch with octagonal responds and capitals.

While in the Chancel notice the fine balance of the pillars. On the arch of the Chancel repairs to the stonework indicating that there was a screen at one time. It is believed that it wasö lost in the refurbishment in the 19th century by Fowler who was an architect who removed ancient work from thirteen north Lincolnshire churches. At the East end of North Aisle is the prayer corner. Any names left here are prayed for at the Sunday Eucharist (See here for times of services). The plants are there as symbols of ever present life.

The Organ

The organ was originally sited at the west end by the tower. Various organ pumpers have written their names in pencil on the panelling behind, recording their efforts in the last century. The organ was built by Messrs. Foster and Andrew's of Hull. In 1856 it cost £300 and is original apart from the electric pump.

The East Window

The east window, dating from 1846, is a blocked semi-circular headed three light window with panel tracery and moulded surround. The two 14th century windows in the south wall have 20th century stained glass, commemorating the association between Willoughby and America.

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