For many people locally, their only knowledge of St. Michael's Church is a sign at the traffic lights at the end of Minster Road. In fact, there has been a church on this site since 1200 AD, housed in four different buildings over the last 200 years.
When the third church building of the early 1900's was badly damaged in a storm in 1976, a competition was held for the design of a new church and, since 1980, St. Michael's has enjoyed the facilities and flexibility offered by a comfortable and accessible modern building which is shared with the United Reformed Church.
A large parish room is also on the site, providing space for many diverse activities and social events.
It has an attractive setting in tranquil gardens within the walls of the previous church.
We have recently undertaken a major project to replace the seating in the church as the chairs, having been in the third church, were over 100 years old and coming to the end of their useful life.
We also took a new look at the whole layout of the main church building and have taken the exciting step of introducing a new central altar to complement the unique and graceful shape of our modern church.
The building houses many interesting features such as the outstanding embroidery panels produced to mark the 1300th anniversary of the Diocese of Worcester and a splendid William Drake organ.
The Churchyard, one of the largest in the country, is home to a wide variety of trees, plants and wildlife, as well as the recently restored Baldwin monuments.
However, the buildings are nothing without people. Should you choose to follow that sign from the traffic lights, you will find a lively and welcoming community with much to offer both the regular and casual visitor. We hope our web site conveys this message so please explore further.
The Present Church Building details
Architect. Adrian Thompson.
Builders. Spicers Builders.
Organ Design and Builder. William Drake, Buckfastleigh.
Design and Manufacture of the new furniture. Luke Hughes.
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