St. Mary's church, Newchurch was rebuilt in 1856-7 with a short chancel, nave and tower with a 'broach spire.' It's roughly circular churchyard does indicate probable pre-Christian origins. It has a western gallery, possibly used for musicians. The arms above the south door, chancel, south wall and window are of the Beavan's, squires of Glascwm. Two 14th century bells are in the tower, while the font of the 10th or 11th century probably came from an earlier church, as does the chalice of 1699, which the church owns, although it is not kept at the church. Our registers go back to 1708, further information on the Genuki site.
The grave of Emmeline, daughter of the Rev. David Vaughan, rector (1870-1903) is sign posted from the church gate, It is mentioned in Kilvert's diary, 4th October 1871 who refers to the great yew tree overhead who he fancied bent weeping over the grave. The yew fell in the great storm of 1991, aged 1,100 years. The handrail by the entrance steps and the church offertory plate are both made from its wood.
On the opposite side of the road is the old rectory, where Parson Vaughan held a school. To the south of the churchyard is a farm, that of Great House, built in 1490, whose 28ft cruck-hall span is the widest in Wales. In his diary, 4th October 1871, Kilvert mentions the difficulties he had when preaching for the rector, Rev David Vaughan. The pulpit was so low that, to see to read his sermon, Kilvert had to crouch down in it.
