Community
The Friends of Wortham Church
Formed in 1996, they have raised almost £200,000 for repairs and maintenance to St Mary’s.
A varied programme of cultural events organised by The Friends has kept St Mary’s at the heart of village life. These include musical recitals, theatrical events and festivals. Amongst the projects funded by The Friends are a new kitchen and car park, a new stained-glass window to celebrate the bicentenary of the Diocese, a new public address system. And multiple fabric survey and repair projects.
More on the activities of The Friends of Wortham Church, and how to become a member, can be found on their website.
Previous appeals for roof repairs
The last major appeal, again for roof repairs, took place in 1892-3. A sum equivalent to £135,000 at today’s values was raised by parishioners, with a large proportion raised among Old Etonians, now memorialised in the church.
The connection with Eton College no doubt arose through King’s College, Cambridge, co-founded with Eton, and the holder of the living of St Mary’s.
The nave was re-roofed and the stone corbels destroyed by the Cromwellian iconoclasts were re-carved, featuring eminent English monarchs.
Worship
St Mary’s is part of North Hartismere Benefice group of six mid-Suffolk parishes and the schedule of Communion services, Festival celebrations, Evening Prayers and Sunday Clubs can be found on their website.