St. Michael’s Church is Hernhill’s greatest heritage asset. It witnesses the generations of people who have lived, worshipped and died in the village for over nine hundred years. Originally Anglo Saxon but re-built in the 15th century, it remains one of the few wholly perpendicular gothic churches in Kent. Find out more about the history of the church on the website, as well as details of upcoming events
The Friends of St. Michael’s Church support the upkeep and preservation of this beautiful building so that it can be enjoyed by future generations and provide a tangible link between them and the past inhabitants of this rural community.
ew Website launched for the Friends of Hernhill Church
Become a Friend
The Friends of St. Michael’s Church was founded with the aim of bringing together all those who love the church and wish to support the upkeep the upkeep of this historic Grade 1 listed building and its surrounding churchyard. Many Friends live locally and are able to enjoy the church and the activities it provides, but there are also many who live further afield who simply enjoy receiving regular informatich and its history.
By becoming a Friend you will help to ensure that the church and its churchyard are preserved and enhanced for future generations.
Why join The Friends of St. Michael’s church
Many Friends have happy memories of St. Michael’s. Some may have been baptized or married here. Others may have loved ones buried in the churchyard. Perhaps you live locally or are a visitor to Hernhill and have spent time looking around the church and enjoyed the peace and beauty of the building.
One local resident, who joined the Friends, is known to have remarked, “Although I do not attend church, nevertheless I could not imagine Hernhill without its church. It is part of the village landscape, permanent and beautiful. Everyone living in Hernhill ought to think about supporting its upkeep.”
The final category of members is those who have lived in Hernhill and worshipped in the church but moved away, some as far as the USA.
St. Michael’s is as relevant today as it was when it was first built. Services are held on most Sundays with special celebrations on the main Christian festivals. There is an active church life. The local Church of England Primary School use the church for end of term services and for history and RE lessons. The church is also used for other community events such as craft fairs, concerts, talks and flower festivals.
But St. Michael’s is an historic Grade 1 listed building and the cost of maintaining it is high. A detailed structural inspection is carried out every five years to determine the work required on the building to keep it in good condition. There is always work to be done and money needed to fund it. It needs Friends to ensure this essential work is done.
How to join The Friends
We welcome new members and look forward to meeting you. To join The Friends, please complete the Friends enrolment form on the site which you can download and print out or email back once completed to enquiries@friendsofhernhillchurch.org
We also ask you to consider, if you are a current income taxpayer, completing the Gift Aid section of the form as this allows us to channel more of our income to help the church. If you can give by standing order, this is the most efficient way for us to receive your subscription. Membership runs from 1st January each year.
Other ways to support the Friends
A gift in your will, small or large, can help St. Michael’s Church. You can find more information on legacy giving on the site, also>
If you would just like to make a donation to the Friends, you can donate here or by sending a cheque made payable to Hernhill PCC to Brian Jelfs, Secretary, The Friends of St. Michael’s Church, Stable Barn, Crockham Farm Cottage, Crockham Lane, Hernhill ME13 9LB.
Exhibition and talk on
Commemorative Royal Wedding China
in St. Michael’s Church Hernhill
Friday, 9th September at 7pm
Free admission- Refreshments
Retiring collection for church funds
All are welcome
launched for the Friends of Hernhill Church