St Mary and St George Church, High Wycombe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary and St George Church, High Wycombe |
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| St Mary and St George Church, High Wycombe | |
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 St Mary and St George Church, High Wycombe
Location in Buckinghamshire
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| 51°37′58.28″N 0°46′39.71″W / 51.6328556°N 0.7776972°W | |
| Location | Sands and Castlefield, near West Wycombe |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Mary and St George |
| Consecrated | 1938 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed church |
| Designated | 28 June 1973 |
| Architect(s) | Gerald Wellesley, 7th Duke of Wellington and Trenwith Wills |
| Architectural type | Textured red brick, copper-covered dome |
| Style | Free Byzantine |
| Completed | 1938 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Red brick, copper, cement |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Wycombe Deanery |
| Archdeaconry | Buckingham |
| Diocese | Diocese of Oxford |
| St Mary and St George Church, High Wycombe | |
|---|---|
| St Mary and St George Church, High Wycombe | |
|
|
|
St Mary and St George Church, High Wycombe
Location in Buckinghamshire
|
|
| 51°37′58.28″N 0°46′39.71″W / 51.6328556°N 0.7776972°W | |
| Location | Sands and Castlefield, near West Wycombe |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Mary and St George |
| Consecrated | 1938 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed church |
| Designated | 28 June 1973 |
| Architect(s) | Gerald Wellesley, 7th Duke of Wellington and Trenwith Wills |
| Architectural type | Textured red brick, copper-covered dome |
| Style | Free Byzantine |
| Completed | 1938 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Red brick, copper, cement |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Wycombe Deanery |
| Archdeaconry | Buckingham |
| Diocese | Diocese of Oxford |
St Mary and St George Church, often called SMG, is a special church in High Wycombe, England. It's known for its unique Byzantine style, which is a type of architecture. The church is also famous for its bright green copper dome. This dome is so well-known that it's considered a landmark in the town!
The church is a Grade II listed building. This means it's an important historical building that is protected by law. It is part of the Diocese of Oxford, which is a group of churches in the Church of England.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's Story
Building the Church
St Mary and St George Church was built between 1935 and 1938. The main people who designed it were Gerald Wellesley, 7th Duke of Wellington and Trenwith Wills. It was built in a special style called "Free Byzantine." This style uses ideas from old churches in the Byzantine Empire.
Early Worship Style
For most of its history, St Mary and St George was a center for "Anglo-Catholic" worship. This is a traditional way of practicing faith within the Church of England. The church's design and features show this traditional style.
New Beginnings
More recently, the church started a new project to bring more life and energy to its community. This project introduced new ways of worship. These new ways were influenced by "Charismatic" and "Evangelical" traditions. These traditions often include more lively music and a focus on personal faith.
The church also has a newer hall next to it. This hall is used by a charity that helps adults with special needs.
What's Happening Now
A New Team for the Church
In 2015, the church leaders (called the PCC) made an agreement with another church, St Andrew's Church. They decided to send a "church planting team" to St Mary and St George. This team's job was to start a new group of worshippers. They also helped to make the church's activities and outreach stronger.
Leading the Way
In 2018, a minister named Revd. Jonny Dade became the "Pioneer Minister" for SMG. He was given the task of leading about 30 adults and children to start a new congregation. A "congregation" is a group of people who regularly attend church services together.
This project received support from the Diocese of Oxford, the Wycombe Deanery, and a group called New Wine. The new congregation officially started in March 2019.
SMG Church Today
Today, "SMG Church" is a community for people of all ages. It focuses on connecting with the local area of Sands & Castlefield. This area is very diverse, with people from many different backgrounds and cultures. It is also one of the areas in the county that needs the most support.
The church offers different styles of worship. There is a traditional service called a "Eucharistic service." There is also a newer, more modern family gathering that includes special activities for children. The church is part of the New Wine network, which connects churches with similar goals.
