About Us

St Martin’s has been part of the Potternewton story for more than a hundred years. The church began its life in 1881, when the people of this growing corner of Leeds dreamed of a place where their community could gather, pray, and find hope together.

Over time, the neighbourhood has changed, and so have we, but the heart of St Martin’s has stayed the same; a place where people are welcome, can find belonging, and space to explore faith. Generations have been baptised here, married here, mourned here, and celebrated here. Today, the building is Grade II listed, recognised not only for its architecture but for the story it tells about the people who have called this place home.

We’re a vibrant, diverse Christian community where people from many backgrounds come together to worship, learn, and support one another. If you’ve ever walked past St Martin’s on a Sunday morning, you might have heard the music and singing drifting out, or seen people chatting alongside the entrance before or after the service. That’s very much who we are; a friendly, diverse group of people trying to follow Jesus and make a difference in our neighbourhood. We stand within the Anglican tradition and are proud to be active members of Churches Together in Harehills and Chapeltown.

Every Sunday at 10am, we gather for worship. It’s a relaxed, thoughtful service with music, prayer, Bible readings, preaching, and Holy Communion. You don’t need to know what to do or say, just come as you are and join in. Everyone is welcome.

After the service, we share refreshments and the church fills with the sound of people of all ages catching up, sharing stories, planning events and looking out for one another. It’s often the moment when newcomers say, “This feels like home.”

Wherever you are on your journey, exploring faith, returning after some time away, or a seasoned traveller in the faith, we’d love to have you share the journey with us. Here at St Martin’s, we walk together through joys and challenges, as well as through the ordinary times, and we trust in the belief that every person is a much-loved child of God.