Saint Mary’s is Back! Experience the Transformation.

 

The moment we have been waiting for is here! On Sunday February 1st, Saint Mary’s reopens to the public, with a day of rededication ceremonies and a special candle lit evening service with Mike Harrison, Bishop of Exeter.  The church will then be open daily from Monday 2nd.

Step Inside

Come and experience the newly renovated space, with its state-of-the-art heating system using infra-red heating chandeliers, completely renovated nave area with new floor, more open space, a servery and accessible toilet.  More than £1.5 million has been raised from personal donations and grant-giving bodies especially the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Whether you are looking for a place of worship, a quiet spot for meditation or a fascinating insight into 1000 years of history and heritage, our doors are open once again to you.

Team Rector Father Jim Barlow “The church interior looks stunning. All the contractors have done a brilliant job. After a year’s absence I’m delighted with the transformation and can’t wait to be back in there, to welcome visitors and pilgrims and hear it filled with the sound of sacred chant, organ music and contemporary gigs.  We still have some work to do, as the space evolves to be ever more welcoming and versatile.  I’m very much looking forward to the new children’s area, welcome zone and the all-new heritage interpretation scheme, to be installed over the coming months”.

Save the Dates!

·   Feb 1st (Early Morning) Rededication Liturgy; (Evening): Candlelit Service(Free entry: but ticketed due to likely demand).

·  Opening Week: Catch the Friends Café on Tuesday 3rd, followed by a lunchtime organ recital by Ian Curror, or our special “Unity in Diversity” gathering on Thursday evening to continue rededicating the space.

·  Daily Opening: The church will be open daily from Feb. 2nd dawn till dusk.

·  March: Watch out for the first full concerts in the new space.

·  Post-Easter: Our full, action-packed programme of music and activities begins!

Full details of the whole programme here – https://www.stmarysandstjohnstotnes.org/stmarysreopen

Get Involved

Saint Mary’s has been reimagined as a true hub for local engagement. We invite community groups to explore the space with us, while our heritage volunteers continue to curate exciting ways to bring the building’s rich history to life for every visitor. There are several ways to be involved, so do get in touch.

We can’t wait to welcome you back!

After the reopening we will always welcome volunteers to help cover the cultural, heritage and church housekeeping related roles in the next phase of St. Mary’s. To sign up to the Uplift newsletter or to express an interest in volunteering please email us at saintmarysactivities@gmail.com