The Situation:

The church suffered the theft of its lead roof at the end of 2019, resulting in extensive damage to the roof, ceiling, and floor. Through fundraising efforts and successful grant applications, the PCC has already secured the building's long-term protection by installing a new stainless steel roof and a new lath-and-plaster ceiling.

To enable the church to reopen for worship and community use, four key areas now need to be addressed:

1. Replace the rotten wooden floor with a new, level surface to improve accessibility for wheelchair users, prams, and those with limited mobility.

2. Re plaster the walls where decayed panelling had to be removed along both sides of the nave.

3. Install new pews at the front of the church, while retaining an open, flexible space at the rear with removable seating.

4. Limewash the nave walls to complete the restoration and protect the new plaster.

This work is essential to restore a functioning place of worship for the parish and to maintain our presence within the benefice. At present, we cannot hold services or offer pastoral support in our own building, which restricts community engagement and limits our role in village life.

The church is also a significant heritage asset. Without further intervention, an important part of Stow Maries’ history remains at risk. Completing the restoration will preserve the building for future generations while enabling it to meet modern community needs.

Overall, this project is urgently needed to save a historic building, reinstate worship, and revive a vital community hub at the heart of the village.

The restoration of St Mary and St Margaret Church will benefit a wide range of people within Stow Maries and the surrounding area. First and foremost, the worshipping congregation will regain a safe and accessible place for regular services, pastoral support, and community prayer. As part of a benefice, the restored building will also support the wider church community by enabling us to host our share of services and events.

Local residents will benefit from the return of a much needed community space. The village has limited venues for gatherings, so reopening the church will provide a welcoming setting for concerts, exhibitions, meetings, classes, and social activities. This will particularly support older residents, those experiencing isolation, and families seeking local, low cost opportunities to connect with others.

Community groups, local organisations, and creative practitioners will also gain access to a flexible venue for workshops, rehearsals, performances, and heritage events. Schools and educational groups will benefit from opportunities to engage with the building’s history and architecture.

Visitors, walkers, and those interested in heritage will benefit from the preservation of an important historic landmark that reflects Stow Maries' identity and story.

Overall, the restoration will support spiritual life, strengthen community cohesion, provide cultural and social opportunities, and protect a valued heritage asset for future generations

Our Goal:

To raise funds for Church Restoration; the funds will go towards replacing the rotten floor, replastering the walls where the rotten panelling was removed, limewashing the nave, replacing some of the pews and purchasing chairs.

How You Can Help:

Please donate any amount to help us keep this historic building for the local community and future generations. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to our shared heritage.

With heartfelt gratitude, St. Mary & St. Margaret Church PCC.