St Mary's Church information

St Mary's Church is situated in the village of Llanfair Waterdine in the upper Teme Valley, on the Shropshire side of the English/Welsh border. It was rebuilt in 1853/4 of local soft stone, replacing two previous buildings dating back to the 1100's. A new bellcote was erected in 2000 to re-hang the existing bell taken from the old tower which had been demolished in 1975.

The interior is light and is enhanced by many woven kneelers and with names of local houses and farms embossed on the ends of the pews. The Garter banner of Sir John Hunt, leader of the 1953 Everest expedition, hands in the church and the organ has a barrel attached which can play ten hymns. There are several organists at present and the Benefice Organists Guild works to cover all services in the Benefice.

Services are Holy Communion at 11.15am on the 1st Sunday, Matins at 9.30am on the 2nd Sunday, Communion by Extension at 11.15am on the 3rd Sunday and Evensong at 6.30pm on the 4th Sunday. If there is a 5th Sunday there is a Holy Communion Joint Service at one of the seven churches in the Benefice. Every second Wednesday at 6.00pm, running alternately, there is a 'Reflection' or a 'Compline' service which lasts for half-an-hour.

St Mary's PCC is working towards installing toilet and kitchen facilities, although this has been held up by COVID. Work is also going on in the churchyard to create an Eco-garden and a safe environment for hedgehogs and insects.

St Mary's Church has benefitted greatly from the Parish Giving Scheme, especially this year when many services have been cancelled. Graham Trew -Church Warden- 01547 510327 has application forms. Anyone interested in supporting  the church is welcome to contact him. The easiest way to obtain information and donate by direct debit is to find the church on the Parish Giving website.