The Formation of the

New Parish of Ryhill

Taken from Wragby Parish Magazine September 1875

It will be no news to many of our readers to be told that Ryhill is soon to become the "Church-Town" of a new Ecclesiastical District; and, as far as we understand the stage at which matters have come, all arrangements have been made, and nothing is now wanting but the consecration of the Church and appointment of a "Vicar".

We cannot speak with certainty of the Boundaries of the new Parish as the map of the District is with the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. But we shall not be far wrong in saying that the new Parish will be made up of Ryhill, the Village of Wintersett (taking in Santingley), the houses of Sandal Parish near Haw Park, Cold Hiendley, and a portion, if not the whole of Havercroft.

This is a district larger than the Incumbent of the Parent Church either wished or thought desirable. The little Church of Ryhill was never intended to enfold so many sheep; but "God will help her, and that right early," for "he which hath begun a good work" in her "will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ". It would be presumptuous and faithless to suppose that in this a mistake has been made, for the Archbishop has been quite decided in what the new Parish shall consist; and of course the plans have received the consent of Mr Rowland Winn, who with the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, has endowed the Church, and has the right of presentation. Nothing remains now for the  present Curate and his people of Ryhill and Wintersett to do, but to pray, and that daily with all earnestness, that God may give the Patron a wise and understanding heart that a good shepherd may be chosen for the sheep well-beloved.

Then how good a work will have been done! Ryhill and Wintersett provided for! To God be all the praise!

Thanks to Jo Winham, Editor of the Ryhill Parish Magazine where the above extract was reproduced in March 2003