About Us

The Forest of Galtres Benefice comprises 5 beautiful historic rural churches north of York. The royal Forest of Galtres was established by the Normans, extending from the walls of York and included 60 villages, covering 100,000 acres. The forest has long gone, but the churches are all set in lovely countryside and celebrate their historical and agricultural origins. 

Today, each of the 5 churches have their own PCCs and village congregations but the churchwardens meet regularly at a Benefice Council to share ideas, diaries and generally to support each other. Sue Whiting is our Benefice Administrator and she supports our vicar, the Rev Steve Whiting.  Each church has a slightly different pattern of worship and this means that, as a Benefice, we offer a wide range of service styles including BCP (the Book of Common Prayer), Common Worship and Celtic services (inspired by the communities in Iona and Northumbria).  As we prepare to respond to York Diocese's challenge for 'Living Christ's Story' and being realistic and proactive about our hopes and dreams for keeping our churches open and vibrant, we are trying to 'Think Benefice' and share resources as much as possible.

All our churches are friendly and offer visitors a very warm welcome.