About Us

Welcome to St. Edmund & St. Mary's, Ingatestone

Set in the heart of our village on the High Street, St. Edmund and St. Mary’s is the Church of England parish church serving the community of Ingatestone and Fryerning.

We are an open, inclusive, and welcoming Christian community. Whether you have worshipped in church all your life, are exploring faith for the first time, or are simply stepping inside to enjoy our historic building or find a quiet place to pray, you are warmly invited.

Our Calling: The Five Marks of Mission

As part of the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion, our parish life and witness are guided by the Five Marks of Mission:

  • Proclaiming Good News (Tell): Sharing the living message of Jesus Christ with hope, warmth, and relevance in our modern world.

  • Nurturing Faith (Teach): Supporting people of all ages—from children and young families to lifelong pilgrims—in learning, growing, and deepening their discipleship.

  • Loving Service (Tend): Caring for the sick, the lonely, and those in distress within Ingatestone and across the wider community.

  • Working for Justice & Peace (Transform): Standing up for justice, challenging hardship, and fostering peace, reconciliation, and mutual support.

  • Caring for God's Creation (Treasure): Protecting and sustaining the natural world, living responsibly, and treading gently on the earth.

Living Heritage

Christian prayer and worship have taken place on this site for well over nine centuries. St. Edmund and St. Mary’s is a Grade I listed historic treasure featuring:

  • Late 11th-century Norman masonry with reused Roman tiles and puddingstone.

  • A landmark Tudor red-brick tower (c. 1500) famous for its diaper brick patterning and 83-foot height.

  • The Petre Monuments, commemorating Sir William Petre and his descendants of Ingatestone Hall.

  • Historic artefacts, including a Charles II Royal Coat of Arms from 1673 and ancient sarsen stones.

While our building carries centuries of history, the church is not a museum: it is a living home for regular worship, music, celebration, and shared community life.

Worship & Community Life

Our regular rhythm of worship includes Sunday Holy Communion, family services, and quiet prayer. Alongside our worship services, our community gathers for:

  • Life Milestones: Weddings, baptisms, confirmations, and funerals.

  • Music & Bells: A regular choral presence and an active team of bell-ringers.

  • Fellowship & Community: Coffee mornings, study groups, seasonal fairs, and school partnerships.

Visiting Us

  • Address: High Street, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 9DU

  • Opening Hours: The church is open daily for visitors, personal prayer, and reflection.

  • Accessibility: Level access is available via the main entrance, and an induction loop system is active during services.

  • Get in Touch: For pastoral inquiries, service schedules, or booking weddings and baptisms, please visit our Contact Page or speak to our churchwardens and clergy team.