Welcome
Welcome to St Oswald’s Church, Leathley an historic building in the beautiful Washburn Valley. Our Mission – to Spread a Sense of Wellbeing.
History
The church of St Oswald, Leathley is steeped in history yet embraces the 21st century’s technology culture.
Named for a King of Northumberland who in the 600s promoted the spirit of Christianity in the region it stands on a hill in the pleasant Washburn Valley between Otley and Harrogate where once the great painter JMW Turner roamed with his sketchbook.
Now in the United Benefice of Washburn and Mid-Wharfe it is one of six Anglican churches, being part of the Church of England’s newest diocese West Yorkshire and the Dales.
The first church on the site was built soon after 1100AD and much of it remains. The tower, the west and east walls of the nave belong to this period. It was enlarged in 1472 by the building of the north and south aisles.
There are symbols of the Percy family carved into pillars, Kilburn Mouseman furniture and a plaque recording the death in 1893 of a member of the Fawkes family. He went down with HMS Victoria which sank during naval exercises off the coast of Tripoli.
What to expect
A variety of services throughout the month, typically Holy Communion on the first and third Sunday’s, Morning prayer on the second and a Family Service on the Fourth Sunday. We welcome families to our church and there is a special children’s corner with colouring and books to keep them entertained.
We have special services throughout the year such as Christingle; Mothering Sunday; Easter; Rogation Sunday (when we take a walk through the village visiting a variety of special places in which to conduct our service), Remembrance and our Christmas Carol Service. The Carol service fills the church to capacity and ends with a fabulous social gathering with mulled wine and mince pies enjoyed by all.
What we offer
Our church offers a variety of services and the hard-working membership organise various fundraising events throughout the year.
There are plans to incorporate toilet and kitchen facilities into the building and our special Hill organ has been recently restored.
Visitors speak of the serenity of the interior which is lovingly cared for.
The graveyard is maintained in good order as is the approach to the church which has an unusual five-legged stocks.
St Oswald’s is a popular choice for weddings, christenings, funeral and memorial services.
Today St Oswald’s has an average congregation of around 25 each Sunday, the majority coming from outside the village since its nature changed from agriculture to popular “dormitory”.
Leathley Village Hall
The Village Hall is managed separately. Click here to go to their site.
Contact Us
The Village Hall is managed separately. Click here to go to their site.