Our Church Building

We are a welcoming church for the 21st century, offering a place for people to encounter God in their lives.

Whilst retaining the character of our historic building with some simple changes, we have created an exciting space for worship, pilgrimage, music and the arts. 

We need 20 new ‘Theo’ chairs that we can use for additional seating, and make possible more flexible use of our space.

Designed specifically for churches and cathedrals by British designer Simon Pengelly, ‘Theo’ is a lightweight, strong and durable wooden chair.

‘Theo’ has won numerous awards including the Church of England’s ‘Design a Church Chair’ competition and has been recognised by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers as an outstanding lightweight chair.

By making a donation to sponsor a chair, you will be playing an important part in help our church reach its potential as a worshipping space and venue for small groups.

Sponsorship can be made by an individual, a family or a group of people. Sponsoring a seat in remembrance of someone who has died is a special way to honour their memory.

We will record every sponsor and loved one remembered in a special book to be kept in perpetuity.

Send us a message to sponsor your chair.

Then make your donation safely and securely online. Choose 'One-off Gift' and we will connect your donation to your sponsorship.

Please Gift Aid your donation if you are able.

Our Completed Project

Over the course of 2024 and 2025 we have refreshed and restored our church building.

2024 was a particulalry significant year for our church. On January 1st the church building was closed. The builders moved in, and work began to:

• Upgrade the sound system and AV equipment
• Relight the interior of the church
• Improving the heating
• Stabilise the floor tiles
• Open up the chancel and North aisle space

That major piece of work took five months. Then we returned to the building and carried on fundraising. In October we closed the church for the second time. We:

• Restored and replaced a large of amount of decayed plasterwork
• Sympathetically redecorated
• Cleaned and replaced stonework
• Dealt with a large void that we discovered underneath the sanctuary floor

Now we give thanks to God for what we have achieved:

• A restored building, improved by sensitive redecoration
• A well-lit, warmer, more comfortable and accessible church
• Sensitive creation of space for worship and concerts
• Architectural and historical features enhanced and made more visible

A church that will continue to be a significant place in people’s lives and the community for generations to come. We are already turning our thoughts to the future and are actively planning to:

• Grow the life of the church with our weekly Sunday services, and our weddings, baptisms, and funerals ministry.
• Promote our rich tradition of musical events including our popular chamber music concerts which we will be able to host in a unique and flexible space
• Offer educational events to make the most of the church's facilities, features, location and connection to John Hampden
• Offer a space for spiritual exploration, retreats and cultural events

None of this would have been possible without the generosity of so many of you who contributed to our appeal. Thank you!
We owe a debt of thanks to Glyn Hassall. Glyn spent countless hours over the last five years coordinating and making grant applications. His efforts have raised £100,000. Thank you, Glyn.
This magnificent total includes a generous grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage.
Immeasurable thanks are due to Tony Blackburn, who has steered this project from its inception until now. It is impossible to quantify how much Tony has contributed to the success of this project. It has been a labour of love, and our whole church community thanks him. Supported by our prayers, he has achieved what at times seemed impossible.

Please use our Project Prayer in your own prayers as part of your support:

Living God, we bless you because you make your dwelling place the hearts of your faithful people. In your abundant love bless us with the gifts we need to be faithful stewards of St Mary Magdalene, Great Hampden. Help us to realise our vision for the future of our church. May we always be mindful of the coming kingdom of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be all honour and glory, now and forever. Amen.

• Newly built, fully accessible toilet block with baby changing facilities.
• Added kitchen facilities to serve refreshments to all visitors.

• Upgrade the sound system and AV equipment
• Relight the interior of the church
• Improving the heating and stabilise the floor tiles
• Sympathetic redecoration and cleaning of stonework
• Open up the chancel space

• A restored building, improved by sensitive redecoration
• A well-lit, warmer, more comfortable and accessible church
• Sensitive creation of space in the chancel for worship and concerts
• Architectural and historical features enhanced and made more visible
• Our church continues to be a significant place in people’s lives and the community for generations to come
• Enabling a place of meeting between God and his people

• Continue our popular Sunday services
• Welcome the wider community by continuing to host weddings and baptisms
• We have a rich tradition of musical events including our popular chamber music concerts which we will be able to host in a unique and flexible space
• Offer educational events to make the most of the church's special historical connection with John Hampden the Patriot
• Offer a space for spiritual exploration, retreats and cultural events