POSTSCRIPT
A history written in 1781 records that the village of Odcombe had 92 houses and nearly 500 inhabitants. Now there are 337 homes, with 628 voters on the electoral register. The history records that "The church of Odcombe is a Rectory in the Deanery of Ilchester, the Dean and Canons of Christ-Church Oxford are the Patrons." In these last two respects little has changed - Odcombe is now in the Deanery of Yeovil, following a recent reorganisation of Deaneries, but Christ-Church Oxford are still the Patrons, taking a generous interest in the Rectory and its incumbent. The building itself has largely stabilised - a 15th century tower and porch, with 19th century transepts, Nave and Chancel. But just as the village has changed and evolved, so has the Church. In just the last 40 years the congregation and benefactors have contributed generously to improve the detail - new heating, carpeting, pew kneelers, a sound amplification and loop system, the relocation of the organ, experiments with a nave altar, internal covering to the Chancel ceiling, the East Window, the 23 stained glass windows from Hewish, the 'Good Shepherd' window, the weathercock and flagpole - the list goes on - and it is hoped soon to provide kitchen, toilet and meeting room facilities at the West end of the Nave.
And the worship is adapting too. Odcombe now has its own booklets, based on the Common Liturgy, providing flexible services throughout the church year, and a new format Family Service has been introduced on the first Sunday of the month. The building, the worship, the people change and adapt. But our Faith remains steadfast and unchanged.
Christ has died,
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again.
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again.
We hope you have found this booklet helpful and that you will be able to join us in our services, to see the Church in its living, active role as the House of God.