Welcome

Swainswick Church

open hearts, open minds, open doors

Welcome

Hello! We’re a small, inclusive Christian community (10-15 of us most Sundays) who meet at St Mary’s Church in Swainswick. We may think about faith and experience God in different ways, but we’re inspired by the life and teaching of Jesus and the wisdom of the Christian tradition. We meet together every Sunday for worship which is relaxed, hopeful and often lay-led.

We’re part of a group of churches with St Saviour’s Larkhall and All Saints Woolley, so there is plenty of variety. As well as regular church services, anyone who lives in the parish can be baptised, married or have their funeral in the church.

Community, Peace and Pilgrimage

The church is a place of peace and pilgrimage. Anyone can drop in any time to pray or look around and visitors are always welcome, however muddy your boots. There are tables and chairs in the churchyard and you can help yourself to tea or coffee in church. We’re just off St Aldhelm’s Way and a good starting point for local walks and pilgrimage routes. Each month a small group of all faiths and none meet for quiet and meditation.

We’re well known for the monthly Pub Swainswick (first Friday of the month) which serves excellent Abbey Ales. Bellringers practice every Thursday and there are plenty of other community happenings throughout the year, including an annual Apple Day and Harvest Beer Festival.

History

The church of St Mary the Virgin in Swainswick has been here since the 12th century and there has been considerable research into the history of both the church and the parish. If you are tracing your ancestors, there’s information about local records here. The church is the final resting place of the 18th century architects John Wood and his son, who designed much of Georgian Bath, including the Royal Crescent, the Circus and All Saints Woolley, our sister church across the valley. Walk the John Wood Countryside Trail and find out why he is buried in Swainswick.

Join in

Whether you’re coming for a service, enjoying a pint at the pub, saying a prayer or taking a break in the middle of a walk, you are very welcome. For more information just get in touch.

Thank you

Thankyou to everyone who gives their time, talents and money to maintain Swainswick church and its ministry. If you would like to make a donation, click on the button below.

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Safeguarding

If you have a concern about a vulnerable child, young person or adult, please contact our Safeguarding lead Helen Roberts 07752 464857 If Helen is not available, contact the church warden, Susanna Watson.

Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you for the glory of God” – St. Paul