History

The Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Chessington is the Church of England Parish Church of Chessington, within the Diocese of Guildford. We seek to be an inclusive church family where friends rather than merely friendliness are found.

We are committed to working closely with churches of other denominations in our area through ‘CHAT– church congregations in Chessington and Hook Acting Together.’

Where we have come from (A brief history)

The church of St Mary’s has stood on its hilltop position, at the corner of Church Lane and Garrison Lane, in Chessington since the twelfth century. The present chancel was once the original tiny church, reputedly visited by knights on their way to the crusades, who carved crosses at the side of the door that now leads to the vestry.

St Mary’s is a grade II listed building first mentioned in the Merton Priory records of 1174. There was major restoration works in 1854 and the south aisle was added in 1870. We have once again in 2012 begun a programme of restoration and redecoration so that the church may continue to be faithful in its witness to the love of God, a place of worship and a focal point for the people of Chessington when they wish to celebrate such happy occasions as weddings and baptisms or when they wish to hold a funeral for a loved one.

Where are we now?

Here at St Mary’s we have a beautiful church building that we cherish and consider to be a real asset.

But the church of St Mary’s is in fact a church family who share a faith in a living God who wants to draw us into a relationship with him. As a church we are a community of people seeking to “Know, Love and Serve” God, each other and our wider community. We do this as we gather and then scatter as a church family. Gathering for Sunday Worship and during the week and then worshipping God in our everyday lives as we scatter.

Whilst we are only a small church family, we are committed to not only following Jesus but also becoming more like Jesus day by day.

We would love you to join us and hope that you will find our welcome to be genuine, fellowship inclusive and thoughtful teaching that makes the Bible relevant to our everyday lives!