Business Details
Welcome to St Mary's Parish Church - Your Parish Church in Mellor
St Mary's Parish Church is a welcoming Anglican parish church serving the community of Mellor in Lancashire. Established as a spiritual and social hub, we offer regular worship services, baptisms, weddings, and community events. Our church prioritises safeguarding and follows the Diocese of Blackburn's guidelines, ensuring a safe environment for all. Led by The Revd Nathaniel Gilmour, our congregation embraces both tradition and modernity, with active engagement through social media and regular updates.We host diverse groups like 'Little Angels' for children and Mothers' Union, fostering intergenerational connections. Our historical significance, including links to St Cuthbert and Bishop Cyril Ashton, enriches our identity. Visitors are always welcome to join Sunday services, explore our heritage, or participate in events.
Services
Sunday Worship
Baptisms
Weddings
Safeguarding
Community Events
Highlights and features
- We maintain rigorous safeguarding standards aligned with the Diocese of Blackburn
- Our diverse programmes cater to all ages from 'Little Angels' to Mothers' Union
- The Revd Nathaniel Gilmour brings international experience and theological expertise
- Historical significance enhanced by connections to notable bishops and saints
- Active digital presence with regular updates through website and Facebook
Services
Sunday Worship
Our principal weekly worship takes place every Sunday at 10:30am in the historic St Mary the Virgin church building. The service follows traditional Anglican liturgy with hymns, scripture readings, and a sermon. All visitors receive a warm welcome, with printed orders of service provided. Communion is celebrated monthly, and special seasonal services occur during Christmas, Easter, and harvest festivals.
Baptisms
We conduct baptism services for both infants and adults following the Church of England's rites. Preparation sessions guide families through the sacrament's significance. Our font, located near the church entrance, symbolises spiritual rebirth. Baptisms typically occur during Sunday morning services, integrating new members into our worshipping community while respecting individual family traditions.
Weddings
St Mary's Parish Church offers sacred spaces for Christian wedding ceremonies. Our vicar works closely with couples to create meaningful services incorporating traditional elements. The church's historic architecture provides a beautiful backdrop, with capacity for 80 seated guests. Pre-marital counselling ensures couples understand the sacrament's significance within Anglican tradition.
Safeguarding
We maintain rigorous safeguarding protocols following House of Bishops guidelines. A trained Parish Safeguarding Officer oversees procedures, with direct links to Diocesan advisors. All volunteers undergo DBS checks, and our policies cover child protection, vulnerable adults, and safe activity practices. Regular training ensures our team maintains the highest safeguarding standards for all church activities.
Community Events
Our calendar features diverse community events including 'Little Angels' children's groups, Mothers' Union meetings, and seasonal celebrations. The church hall hosts regular craft sessions and social gatherings. Special events like Easter egg hunts and Christmas fairs foster intergenerational connections. We collaborate with Mellor Village Hall to coordinate local activities throughout the year.
People
The Revd Nathaniel Gilmour
United Benefice Vicar
Originally from the US but raised in London, Nathaniel studied Maths and Physics at Durham University before theological training at Westcott House. He brings experience from London parishes and Broughton curacy. An avid swimmer and countryside walker, he enjoys science fiction literature while leading our congregation with contemporary pastoral care.
Questions
What are your Sunday service times?
Our main Sunday service starts at 10:30am in the church building, lasting approximately 75 minutes with hymns, sermon, and communion.
Are there activities for children and families?
'Little Angels' meets regularly for children's activities. Check our calendar for specific dates and family-friendly events throughout the year.
What safeguarding measures do you have?
We follow strict Diocese of Blackburn safeguarding policies with trained officers. All volunteers undergo DBS checks and regular safeguarding training.
How do you engage with the local community?
We host Mothers' Union meetings, collaborate with Mellor Village Hall, and organise seasonal events open to all residents in our Lancashire village.
Can I visit the church outside services?
The church is usually open during daylight hours for private prayer and historical exploration. Special tours can be arranged through our vicar.
