History of the Building

 

St Mary's is the parish church for the northern half of East Grinstead. We were founded about 110 years ago to meet the needs of the expanding town and to provide the town with worship of the catholic tradition within the Church of England. A tradition that we have upheld ever since.

 

The building is of red brick with stone dressings. It was designed by William Thorold Lowdell, mainly in the style of the 13th century; this is known as Victorian Gothic.

 

Particularly interesting features include the round pillars of blue pennant stone, the arches of local sandstone and the wooden lintels and corbels over the windows in the side aisles. The stonework in the windows also shows the gothic style and the development of the 13th century tracery.

Significant dates in the church's history 

1883 - Proposal to build a new church.

1888 - Land for site earmarked and subscriptions invited.

1891 - Foundation stone laid by the Archdeacon of Lewes. (7th July)

1893 - Chancel and first bay of nave open for worship.

1896 - The 2nd and 3rd bays of the nave are added.

1900 - The organ installed.

1905 - Consecrated by the Bishop of Chichester. (1st July)

1911 - 4th and 5th bays of the nave added as well as the porch, fleche and bell turret.

1928 - The choir vestry added.