St Mary’s Parish Church, Leyton
History | Archives | Annual Reports |
About Us
The Parish
The current make-up of St Mary’s as Leyton Parish Church has evolved from the historic individual parish of St Mary’s along with the addition of St Edward’s (now a non-conformist church) and St Luke’s (now Greek Orthodox). As a result the parish now covers a population area of approximately 15,000 people. Consequently there is an eclectic feel to the congregation especially as the area has a wide diversity of ethnic backgrounds from the West Indies, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe, many of which are represented in the congregation.
Geographically the parish is bordered by the Gospel Oak - Barking railway in the north-east corner and the western boundary and includes areas such as Brooks Farm (a city farm), much of Leyton High Road, the recent regeneration development at Temple Mills - including the Retail Park - and the new railway depot for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. Spitalfields Market, Leyton Library and Leyton Orient Football Club are also within the parish as are several schools (secondary, primary, junior, infant and nursery) as well as the Old Cricket Ground (which is now a Youth Centre), several recreational parks and SCORE (a local sport and leisure facility).
Links with others
The Vicar is embracing the long-standing relationships with local schools and as such has continued to encourage the use of the church building by the schools for educational purposes relating to history as well as R.E. The Vicar also regularly attends the Community Council, takes opportunities to meet with leaders and members of different political groups, as well as different faiths and is a representative on various trusts, patronages and organisations - such as the Robert Ozler Trust and the Leyton branch of The Royal British Legion.
The Parish has had good links with uniformed organisations, such as the Brownies, and historically with the Boys Brigade and Girls Brigade through congregation members. Likewise, the bells at St Mary’s provide further links into the community and beyond through our Bell Tower Captain. The bells are rung regularly.
The Parish Hall provides further links with the community with other churches using the facilities. The hall is also used by a Karate club, an Asian Disability Group and a Thursday dancing club. If you are interested in hiring the hall please contact the vicar.
As a church we support many missionary charities such as USPG, Christian Aid, SAMS, Childrens Society and others - although our current approach is under review.
As the historical Parish Church, St Mary’s provides the ideal location for civic activities such as the main focus for the Remembrance Sunday service in Leyton.
The current clearing works in the churchyard provides a visible statement of our mission. A "Friends of St Mary's Churchyard" group meets regularly to assist in the upkeep of the churchyard. We strive for our church to be seen as active and relevant in the local community, offering a variety of worship events. We look to meet the needs of long-standing members and be accessible to newcomers. We are dedicated to work with children.
Jim Wallis’ statement that “Faith is always personal but never private” sums up the teaching regarding mission. In other words, we are to be missionary wherever we are. The church sees its role in mission as part of the wider church but with personal responsibility to Jesus.
Buildings
St Mary’s is a Grade II* listed building that provides further opportunities for outreach with local historical societies who visit regularly. The other side of that is the frustration and expense whenever maintenance work is needed. During the mid to late 1990’s around £600,000 was spent on the building following an arson attack and the need to undertake other essential maintenance work. This included provision of a disabled access toilet facility and some re-roofing. Therefore the church is generally in good condition although there are other outstanding works that are a high priority but funds do not permit them to be undertaken at present.
The Church Hall is another building that allows outreach opportunity (see above) but suffers from a desperate need for redecoration and remodelling, again funds being a real problem.
Services and other activities
Along with the regular pattern of worship (see worship diary) the Vicar sees Occasional Offices (baptisms, weddings and funerals) as wonderful mission opportunities. Most funerals are conducted at local crematoria but an annual service of Remembrance, Thanksgiving and Hope is held in church (usually the last Sunday in November) to help with the longer-term issues of loss and bereavement.
One of the strengths at St Mary’s is the work with children. As is so often the case, we struggle for leaders but we have a thriving Sunday School even though it does not meet every week. Although we currently have no youth groups, this is an area we are hoping to develop, especially as the top-end children outgrow the Sunday School.
A morning-fellowship group and prayer group meet every week. Other opportunities involve bell ringing, flower arranging, as well as plenty of scope for being involved in worship through leading prayers, Bible readings, etc.
Deanery
St Mary's with St Edward and St Luke is committed to working with the Deanery of Waltham Forest.
Office Address:
35 Church Road
Leyton
London
E10 5JP