Morvah is a small village and farming community on the north coast road of the extreme south-western peninsula of Cornwall. The name "Morvah" in the old Celtic language signifies simply "a place by the sea" though in certain contexts it can signify "a marsh."
It grew from a small mining town in the 17th and early 18th centuries, and dwindled to a farming community. In 1800 there was a parish population of 282 (142 male and 140 female) by 1972 there were only 51 on the Parliamentary electoral roll.
From very early times there has been a place of worship in this area. About half -a-mile north of the present church, near the cliffs, overlooking the sea, are slight remains of a Celtic chapel, and a holy well. The name "Morveth" (or Morvetha) indicating "the cell by the sea" may well refer to this; while the local name of "Merther" may possibly refer to a chapel in honour of a martyr.
1327-In the Subsidy roll of this year Morvah appears as a seperate fiscal unit.
In the latter part of the 14th century the Knights of St John of Jerusalem from Madron erected the present tower, together with a building consisting of an aisle arcade of three bays.
1390-7th May Sir Roger Melleder, "Vicar of St Madern" was licensed by Bishop of Exeter to celebrate Divine Service in certain chapels in the Parish of Madron, including feast of "Sancta Brigida". This has been identified with Morvah Church, and in this context "Sancta Brigida" is believed to refer to St. Briget (Birgitta) of Sweden, whose cult was becoming extremely popular at that time.
1400-On the 22nd September Bishop Stafford of Exeter formally licensed "the Chapel of St. Briget in the Parish of St. Madern". Morvah has therefore always been associated with Madron since the early days of the parochial system.
1427-the Abbey of the Brigetine Nuns in Isleworth, Middlesex laid claim to the Priory and Shrine of St Michael's Mount, near Penzance and established an arch-priest and two chaplains there. It is noteworthy that a Brigetine nunnery had been built in England earlier than in any Scandinavian countries outside of Sweden.
1447-Bishop Lacy of Exeter issued an indulgence of 40days to all persons visiting or supporting "the chapel of St Brigida in the Parish of St. Madern."
1522- In the Subsidy Roll, under Madron with Morvah, occurs the entry; "Goods, the Store of Santt Maddron £4: the Store of Santt Brigitt 5 marks.
The Church Records of Morvah are in good condition, those of marriages dating from 1612, of baptisms from 1652 and of burials from 1656 there are a few gaps.
1828-the church , with the exception of the tower, was almost completely rebuilt, on the same site. A hymn for Morvah was written by the Reverend C. V. Le Grice.
In the 19th century John Casley assumed the duties of Organist, and his son, of the same name, carried on those duties until his death in 1968; a wonderful combined record of service of over 100 years father and son.
1971-the Swedish community in Britain became interested in this little church.
1972-the Swedish Manager of Dartington Glass-works, Torrington Devon (Mr. Eskil Wilhelmsson) presented two Swedish glass candle-sticks, which stand on the altar, some Swedish glass communion- cruets, and an "ice-berg" in glass, on which is imprinted the outline of the church. This Swedish "ice-berg" is on a stand near the north-east window.
September- The Rotary Club of Vadstena in Sweden-the town in which is situated the original Convent of St Briget (Birgitta)-presented a Swedish National Flag to the church.
October 8th The Swedish gifts to the church were blessed by the dean of Truro, the Very reverend H.M. Lloyd, D.S.O, O.B.E, M.A.
1973-the society of St Briget presented Morvah Church with a picture of Vadstena Abbey to commemorate the 600th Anniversary of the death of the saint.