About Us

St Peter’s Church is the ancient parish church of Henfield, and part of  a united parish with Shermanbury and Woodmancote. Founded in 770, and set on slightly higher land above the River Adur, St Peter's is surrounded by paths edged in over 100 tall yew bushes.

The tower is solid and northern in style, housing one of Sussex’s finest rings of eight bells. The medieval church was added to in the 16th century with a Lady Chapel, now known as the Parham Chapel, where daily prayers and midweek services are held. The church was extensively rebuilt in 1871 to a fine design by the architects to the Woodard Foundation of schools. The glass is of high quality, much of it the work of Charles Eamer Kempe who was born in Ovingdean and lived at Henfield vicarage whilst designing and installing the church’s east window.

The Victorian church had served the community well, but it was time for a fresh re-ordering, which took place in 2008. A new stone floor with under-floor heating, and the the flexibility of modern chairs, have given a brilliant feeling of light and space. This will ensure the church serves the community in coming generations. The Church is open every day from 8am until 6pm to enable visors to come to this sacred space to pray, seek peace and to find God in the busyness of daily life. 

We have a clergy team of 3, the vicar, Paul Doick, honorary assistant priest Christina Bennett and assistant curate Heather Wilkin.  Our main service each week is the Parish Communion at 9.45am. On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month this service uses a simpler and shorter service and has a slightly more informal feel.  Services use Common Worship as well as Book of Common Prayer liturgies. Come and join us in worship or simply to discover and enjoy this sacred space. You will be very welcome.