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All Saints Church, Totley

All Saints Church

All Saints Church is the Church of England parish church serving the village of Totley in Sheffield, England. Founded in 1924, it became an independent ecclesiastical parish after separating from the parish of Dore. The church is part of the Diocese of Sheffield.

History

Before 1924, Totley was part of the parish of Dore. As the population of Totley grew in the early 20th century, there was a desire for the village to have its own parish church. In March 1924, Reverend R. Jermyn Hutton was appointed the first Vicar of the newly created Parish of Totley. Initially, church services were held at Totley All Saints School while the new church building was under construction. The church was consecrated on November 15, 1924, by the Lord Bishop of Southwell. The land for the church was donated by William Aldam Milner, who also contributed £2,000 towards the construction costs. The chancel was dedicated to Milner's son, Roy, who died in World War I.

Over the decades, All Saints Church has maintained strong links with local schools and community groups. In June 2022, Reverend Ben Tanner became the vicar of All Saints Totley, and a 'church graft' from Christ Church Endcliffe brought in additional members to support its growing ministry. This graft included 12 adults and 12 children, significantly boosting the church's congregation. Today the average Sunday attendance is around 130 people and the church is known for it's vibrant church family and great provision for children and families.

Church Building

The Communion Table inside All Saints

The church building, constructed in the early 20th century, is a typical example of English parish church architecture of that era. It is a Grade II listed building located within the Totley conservation area. The church features a small garden of remembrance for the interment of cremated remains, which, as of 2019, was full, leading to efforts to extend it. In 2023 the new memorial garden was completed and the church is now interring ashes once more. There are extensive lawns to the south side of the church, offering views of the surrounding hills.

The upkeep and maintenance of the church are ongoing, overseen by a dedicated church team with support from the Parochial Church Council (PCC). Regular volunteer working days are held for general upkeep of the church, hall, and grounds. In 2010, the church hall underwent extensive improvements, including new doors, windows, damp-proofing, and drainage work. The kitchen was also refurbished in 2012, funded by the church community and a diocesan loan.

Church Life

All Saints Totley Church Logo

All Saints Church holds a Sunday service at 10 am, featuring prayers, worship music, and Bible teaching, followed by refreshments in the church hall. The church also hosts a regular Wednesday communion service. The church provides a crèche area, Sunday school classes and youth groups.

The church seeks to be "a church family at the heart of Totley where anyone can encounter God." This is reflected in its community engagement and various outreach programs, including initiatives for the elderly and partnerships with local schools.

All Saints Church runs several small group discipleship programs, supporting members in their personal spiritual growth. The church also has a robust prayer ministry, with regular prayer events, a prayer team, and a prayer chain for urgent needs. Personal prayer is often available after Sunday services.

The church building and hall are used for a wide range of community activities. The church hall hosts groups including toddler playgroups, Guides, a children's dance troupe, phonics classes, and a coffee morning for seniors. The hall is also available for private events like birthday parties and has even hosted a wedding reception, providing a small income for the church.

A notable annual event at All Saints Church is the "Christmas Experience" (TCX), where the church is transformed into a recreation of 1st-century Bethlehem. This event, which launched in 2022, attracted over 1,000 visitors and received national radio publicity. In 2023, the event aimed to welcome over 1,300 attendees during its three-day run in early December. Free tickets needed to be booked in advance due to the event's popularity.

Clergy

• Current Vicar: Reverend Ben Tanner (since 2022)

Former Clergy:

• Reverend R. Jermyn Hutton (1924)
• Frederick Adamson (1947–1962)
• Rhys Derrick Chamberlain Walters (1962–1967)
• Alan Jockel (1976–1985)
• Stewart Rayner (1985–1991)
• John Benson (1991–1998)
• David Rhodes (1999–2011)
• Paul Oakley (2012–2016)
• Catherine Tupling (Priest in Charge, 2017–2019)
• Alison Creasey (Non-Stipendiary Minister, 2018–2023)

Community Engagement

The church actively engages with the local community, participating in events like the Totley Show and Open Gardens, carol singing in pubs, and running a community lunch club.

The church has longstanding ties with the Oakes Holiday Centre through mission partners, and with Transport 17, a charity providing transportation for the elderly and disabled. Additionally, All Saints Church runs a "Natter" group for people over 60, offering a social space with activities and refreshments.

All Saints Church has established ties with the Maasai Evangelistic Association in Kenya, supporting their rescue centre for girls escaping cultural rituals and forced marriage.

Links with Local Schools

All Saints Church, Totley, has established strong connections with local schools, actively participating in the educational and spiritual development of students. The church hosts a variety of school events and services throughout the year, including Harvest, Easter, and Christmas celebrations. These events provide students with the opportunity to engage in traditional Christian festivities and learn about their significance in a communal setting.

In addition to hosting these special services, All Saints Church regularly holds school assemblies and lessons. Clergy and church members frequently visit the schools to lead assemblies, sharing stories and teachings from the Bible, and facilitating discussions on moral and ethical topics. These assemblies are designed to be inclusive and engaging, ensuring that all students, regardless of their religious background, feel welcomed and included.