Our heritage
A church has stood on this site for 730 years. Generation by generation, its building has seen changes to match the needs of its people. St Mary’s is a Grade II* Listed Building on the “At Risk” register. We are now working on proposals to make our historic church fit for the needs of the future.
Our primary role is as a parish church, worshipping God and making Him known in our parish. This is expressed in our vision statement: “As Christians worshipping together in Bermondsey, we are seeking to live for the glory of God by following Jesus in the reality of God’s world.” We seek to make that vision a reality through our physical presence in Bermondsey, through our spiritual presence in prayer and praise, and through our fruitful partnerships in our community.
Why do we need new work?
As the oldest building in the area, St Mary Magdalen church has a significant place in the memory of the local community and parish. The building is on the Historic England ‘At Risk’ register, and there are major essential works required to maintain the building; at the same time we want to take action to promote the following aims:
Transparency – we wish to create a warm, welcoming and open space
Flexibility – we wish to make it possible to make greater use of the nave, for visitors, events, and worship
Accessibility – we wish to remove barriers to use by all members and visitors, including by installing ramps and creating greater storage space
History and legacy – we wish to remember and honour the past through the creation of a museum area
Hospitality – we wish to expand our kitchen, toilets and reception areas, and improve our audio/visual systems
Opportunity – we wish to create a space that enhances the income generating opportunities of the church, and provides local employment opportunities and space for art exhibitions and musical performances.
Context and vision
Detailed plans and drawings of the proposed updates.