The Parish Church of St Peter Sunday Services 1st Sunday of the Month: 1100 Morning Prayer 2nd Sunday of the Month 0930 Parish Communion 3rd Sunday of the Month: 0930 Morning Prayer 4th Sunday of the Month: 0930 Parish Communion Contacts: Revd David Lewis The Rectory, Great Smeaton 01609 881205 davidlewis648@btinternet.com The church occupies an idyllic and peaceful site in farmland set back from the road and overlooking the River Wiske and London-Edinburgh railway line.  It is a  Georgian brick building with a polygonal apse and dates from 1776.  Extensively altered in 1872 by the Victorians, the original round arched windows were blocked up although traces can be seen in the brickwork.  During the rebuilding, bases of Norman columns were discovered under the floor of the chancel and nave.  Early remains include part of the shaft of a an old Saxon cross  built into the west end wall, a capital of a multi-scalloped Norman column forming the base of the font and a Saxon font located near the south entrance.  Also the two bells at the west end belonged to an earlier church.  There are fixed oak pews on either side of the nave each finished with two oak bosses reminiscent of acorns and a three-light stained glass chancel window.  Interestingly, the village is called Birkley on the list of vicars in the north ‘vestry’. The congregation consists of those from the immediate locality and those from further afield who are attracted by the welcoming atmosphere and use of the Book of Common Prayer (BCP).  The latter is indicative of the age of the congregation; however it is certainly not ancient and definitely young at heart!  Few children live in this small parish but the Family Services are well supported by grandchilden of members of the congregation.  Choral participation can only be said to be 100% led by spirited playing by our organists.  After the morning services coffee, sherry and cheese and biscuits and the opportunity for lively conversation are on offer at the home of a church member or after a United Benefice Service, in the church.  The PCC ensures the church fabric is well maintained and members of the church willingly help with flowers, cleaning, and keeping the churchyard pristine!  It is also the practice to have an annual church cleaning day. This together with an annual parish lunch,  with perhaps a family event at the Manor House (formerly part of the church glebe) or a fund raising jumble sale all engender a feeling of family/community.