About Us
THE CHURCH
As the people of God at Holy Trinity, our aim is to promote and deepen the cause of Jesus Christ among the people of our parish. To this end, we strive to harness enthusiasm for our faith – nurtured in the context of our historic building and contemporary fellowship.
We seek to keep Jesus at the heart of everything we do and say. We affirm that every human being, without distinction, is created in the image of God, and has a full and equal claim on the love and pastoral care of our church. We affirm that the whole creation is a divine gift, displaying something of the glory and beauty of God, and are fully committed to its nurture and care.
HISTORY
Holy Trinity Church is believed to date back about 1000 years. It is suggested that in the wall behind the altar there exists some traces of Saxon masonry. The Normans were considerable church builders and, whatever might have existed in Cookham before then, a stone church, easily recognisable as ours, was in being by about 1140,
One of Cookham's most famous sons was world famous artist, Sir Stanley Spencer (1891–1959). Much of his greatest work depicts biblical scenes, from miracles to Crucifixion happening not in the Holy Land but in Cookham, where he was born and spent most of his life. Spencer believed that the divine rested in all creation. He saw his home town of Cookham as a paradise in which everything is invested with mystical significance. He referred to Cookham as "a village in Heaven" fellow-villagers frequently stand in for their Gospel counterparts, lending Christian teachings an eerie immediacy.
MUSIC
The Choirs of Girls, Boys, Men and Choristers' Mums largely work independently as groups and, between them, cover weekly Sunday morning services (11am) and usually two evening services (6.30pm) a month during term time.
Holy Trinity is notable for its customary trilogy of carol services (Advent, Christmas and Epiphany), with the unique tradition of holding its Christmas Carol Service on Christmas Day (6.30pm). In recent years the retiring collections from carol services have raised over £10,000 for various charities.
Another feature of the choir's large output is the provision of monthly (sometimes more) online musical 'offerings' on YouTube (search "Cookham Churches").
The choir sings for weddings and other special non-Sunday services throughout the year.
Services at Holy Trinity are supported by the use of the three-manual pipe organ and a Bluthner boudoir grand piano.
BELLS
The bells of Holy Trinity are recognised as, perhaps, the finest in Berkshire. There is a "ring" of 10 bells and the oldest was hung in 1635.
The bellringers call to parishioners to worship each Sunday morning and evening.
YOUTH
Starting with the youngest members, our Trinity Nippers group meets in the church at 10.15 every Tuesday, in term-time, for a short interactive child-friendly service and then transfers over to the Parish Centre for refreshments and playtime. There is also a Baby & Toddler Group on Thursdays at 9.45am.
On Sundays: for younger children we have Sunday Club. We use Scripture Union materials which provide a varied programme of bible stories, prayers, art and craft, drama, music and games Children's Church meets most Sundays during term-time, joining the congregation in church at the Offertory.
HOLY TRINITY LADIES' GROUP
The Ladies Group began over fifty years ago as the Young Wives but time marches on and the “Young” and “Wives” were replaced by “Ladies” although husbands and visitors are always welcome.
The group meets at 2:30 on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the Briggs room of the Parish Centre, excluding August and December.
We provide an interesting and varied programme of talks and activities followed by tea or coffee and an opportunity to catch up with friends.