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 (SMG) in High Wycombe is a special building. It is a Grade II listed church, meaning it is an important historic building. The church is known for its unique Byzantine style and its bright green copper dome. This dome is a famous sight in High Wycombe. The church is part of the Diocese of Oxford.
What is the History of St Mary and St George Church?
The church was built between 1935 and 1938. It was designed by two architects, Gerald Wellesley, 7th Duke of Wellington and Trenwith Wills. The building has a Grade II* listing, showing its high historical value.
For most of its history, St Mary and St George Church has followed Anglo-Catholic traditions. This style of worship is reflected in the church's design. More recently, the church has welcomed new ways of worship. These include modern styles influenced by Charismatic and Evangelical traditions.
There is also a newer church hall next to the main building. This hall is used by a charity that helps adults with special needs.
What is St Mary and St George Church Like Today?
In 2015, the church leaders of St Mary and St George made an agreement. They teamed up with St Andrew's Church to start a new project. A group of people was sent to St Mary and St George. Their goal was to create a new worship community. They also aimed to help the church grow its activities and outreach.
In 2018, Reverend Jonny Dade became the new leader. He was tasked with starting a new group of 30 adults and children at SMG. This project had support from the Diocese of Oxford and other church groups. In March 2019, the new community officially began.
Today, the church is often called 'SMG Church'. It is a community for people of all ages. The church focuses on connecting with its local area, Sands and Castlefield. This area is known for its diverse cultures and backgrounds. It is also one of the most economically challenged areas in the county.
The church offers different styles of worship. There is a traditional service called the Eucharistic service. There is also a newer, more modern family gathering. This gathering includes special activities for children. SMG Church is also part of the New Wine network, a group of churches working together.
