Originally, Govilon was part of the large parish of Llanwenarth, which extended from the Sugar Loaf to Blaenavon and included the villages of Llanwenarth Citra, Llanwenarth Ultra (the old name for Govilon), Pwll-Du and Garnddryrus. The parish church for the area was St Peters at Llanwenarth Citra.
However, the parish was divided by the River Usk. The larger population lived on the south of the river and those wishing to attend church had to cross the river by boat. This was fine as long as the rope pulling the ferry across didn’t break as the boat could not then be stopped until it Llanfoist bridge.
In 1847 it was decided to build a small Chapel of Ease in Govilon, which opened in 1848. However, the chapel was not named until 1860. Christchurch became a separate parish in 1865 and its first priest was the Revd George Grove. It was further extended to the church we see today in the 1870s.
There are a number of interesting stained glass windows to see, from the Victorian era to modern day, including one of the last windows designed by John Petts.
Services
Christchurch is a traditional church that holds a Eucharist service every Sunday at 11am, followed by fellowship, with tea and coffee.
It has an active Mothers’ Union, one of two in the Ministry Area – meetings are the third Thursday of the month at 7pm. New members and visitors always welcome. (Contact Julie Sussex at phillips@hotmail.com)
A Fellowship Group meets every Monday 7pm to 9pm from Spring to October – new members welcome.
