From its foundation to the present day. St Michael's is situated towards the western end of the village, on low ground south of the Llanidloes road. It was founded by Bleddrws in the second quarter of the 12th century, when it was referred to as a "monasterium", indicating a monastic link. It has been suggested that an earlier cemetery existed on the site prior to the foundation of the church and that the churchyard was enlarged to enhance the status of the new church. It was subsequently granted to the Augustinian Abbey of Haughmond (near Shrewsbury), probably just before 1150. After the Reformation, the religious transformation of the 16th century which resulted in the establishment of Protestantism, the church levied tithes, a kind of tax, on all people it served. In Trefeglwys, a terrier (statement of assets), tells us that Sir Watkin (of Bangor) got £260 per annum and the Vicar £166. Often these tithes were paid in kind i.e. in sheep, pigs or crops; it was not until 1836 that tithes had to be paid entirely in money. An interesting snippet of information is to be found in the Arwystli Deanery Magazine of August 1948, quoting a record of 1897 regarding the closure of a church gateway opposite to the Red Lion: "Almost the last day for the gate to be opened; one of the villagers left the Red Lion; and being very intoxicated he went through the gateway and into the churchyard. He stumbled, and fell into an open grave [which had been made ready for a funeral]. He was so comfortable that he stayed there the night, and when he awoke in the morning, his first cry was, "Mary, what time is it?" A workman passing on his way to work heard this cry, and immediately thinking the end of the world had come - tore through the village shouting "Judgement Day has come!" The present church building was substantially rebuilt on the foundations of the earlier one in 1863-5, but the east and west windows from the mediaeval church were re-used. Around 1987 the west window disappeared when the west wall was completely slated. The belfry, housing a 15th century bell, was much restored in 1932 but the stout oaken supports have been made a feature of a new meeting room (for the church and community) and vestry in a 2008 on-going restoration which has included provision of a piped water supply for a kitchen area and toilet. Work undertaken in the 2010 restoration included a new under-floor heating system, new lighting and improved access. It is not thought that the completion this most recent work will warrant an entry in the school log-book as that earlier one did when the Vicar wrote:- "Thursday, November 24th 1864; Being a fine morning, and having promised the children a holiday after the inspection, I gave it, to-day being the re-opening of Trefeglwys Church". To-day's congregation, enthusiastically guided by our dedicated and energetic Vicar, is striving, with its fellow believers in the Methodist Chapel, to reach out to the community to encourage and support all those wishing to know a fuller and more rewarding life. We are also conscious of the many visitors to the parish and we aim to provide them too with a welcoming, caring service! (no pun intended!) - Basil Freke 2012