The Church
Although Sir John Betjeman described it as "stately", and Martin Travers in his drawing makes it look like a medieval gem, St Mary's is, in reality, typical of hundreds of low-price red-brick gothic churches that were put up in the 1870s and '80s in London and all over the country.
The church was designed by RJ Withers, a little known architect practising predominantly in the West Country. Withers had previously undertaken alterations to churches in London, and was working at St Paul's Church, Knightsbridge, when the decision to build St Mary's was taken.
Services
The principal act of worship on Sundays and on Solemn Feast Days is a traditional High Mass. It seeks to achieve spiritual excellence by combining carefully thought out and well honed ceremonial with appropriately fitting music.
The music staff attach vital importance to the integration of music and liturgy, with the former being emphatically the servant of the latter. To this end the selection and presentation of choral and organ music is undertaken with strict adherence to the celebration and lection of the day, together with the appropriate chant.
Masses and Offices
The usual times of services during the week are below, but please check the Church schedule in the latest newsletter before making a special journey.
Monday to Friday
6.00pm Evening Prayer
6.30pm Low Mass
Saturday
11.30am Low Mass
Sunday
9.00am Low Mass
11.00am High Mass (sung)
6.00pm Solemn Evensong and Benediction
7.00pm Low Mass