Facilities and features
Accessibility
We have toilets in our hall, just behind the church. These include disabled facilities.
Baby changing facilities are currently available in the accessible toilet in the church hall. Please use the bin provided for disposing of used nappies.
We do not have a bike rack but there are railings to which bicycles can be chained and locked.
There is a car parking area available behind the church. However, please note that we have neighbours living behind the church who must have access to their houses at all times so please park neatly and don't block the entrances. For normal services you can also park in front of the church but for weddings and funerals this area is needed for cars/hearses. Thank you for your co-operation. Parking is also available on Eastbury Road.
There is an accissible toilet in the church hall which is accessible via a slope.
The south door at the rear of the church is accessed via a built up slope which takes you into the Lady Chapel. From there there is a slope leading down into the main body of the church. Other entrances are via steps.
A hearing loop is available to people with a T-switch on their hearing aids.
Please ask our welcomers (the people giving out the books when you come in) if you would like a large print version of the service or hymns.
All dogs are very welcome.
As an inclusive church all are welcome and we pride ourselves on our welcome.
When refreshments are available we have gluten free biscuits/cakes and dairy free milk. Gluten free communion wafers are also available.
Our Building
Our church is a Grade II listed building erected in 1880 by public subscription. Donors included Mr Blackwell (of Crosse & Blackwell fame) and Mr W H Smith (stationer).
Music and Worship
Sadly due to the condition of the structure we are unable to ring our fine bells. However, they are connected to a set of chimes and are rung most Sunday mornings.
We host concerts in our church which has excellent acoustics. We are looking to increase the frequency of concerts and recitals.
Built in 1913 by Norman and Beard, well constructed with first class materials, the organ contains a certain amount of pipework taken from the earlier organ and is a good example of parish church organ building of the period. It contains over 800 pipes and the voicing is typical of the builder's workmanship which makes it more versatile than would otherwise appear at first glance.
Groups, Courses and Activities
SMAYT (St Matthew's Amazing Youth Team) meets on Sunday mornings during the first part of the service. It is open to secondary school age children. The group discusses matters of faith and religion before joining the service. Most currently take communion (bread and wine) but a simple blessing is also available.
All are invited on a Sunday morning after the service for coffee, cake and chat in the hall, .
Every Thursday afternoon from 14.30 to 16.00 we have the Thursday Meet, which is an opportunity to socialise over tea, coffee and cake. Our bookswap is available as are puzzles and games. All are very welcome.
Pilates and Yoga groups regularly meet in our church hall but are not affiliated to it. For details or course organisers please contact the Hall Manager (details below)
Help for Visitors
Guided tours are available by appointment. Please email [email protected] or call 01923 942084 to arrange a date.
These are available free of charge in church
Dogs are welcome to visit or at our services.
Other Features
We are a Fair Trade church
We support Bushey Red Trust and have a collection box at the back of the church for donations of non-perishable food such as long life milk, rice, pasta, tinned tomatoes, tinned fruit ,tea, coffee, sugar, biscuits, long life milk, long life juice and cereal
We have a hearing loop and large-print books.
We have a good sized hall and stage and a newly refurbished kitchen plus toilet facilities. Our hall is available for hire for one-off events such as parties, funeral wakes, quizzes etc. You can also hire it for regular classes. For more information email [email protected]