St. Mary's Church TourWelcome to St Mary’s – a transformed building, a place of community and faith.
We have just completed major work to make the building more accessible, sustainable, beautiful, flexible and functional and to ensure it is more easily shared with the community of Ely at whose heart it sits. |
Introduction
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There are a series of numbered stopping points around the church– each with a few words to inform and stimulate.
Use the words or click the play buttons to listen to each audio tour point as you journey around the church. Paper copies of the tour are also available from the welcome desk.
As you explore, give your imagination time to consider the heritage of the building and allow yourself time to discover how God is alive and active in the world and in your life.
Please be assured that we take your safety most seriously. Every volunteer and officer you might meet whenever you come here is DBS checked and Safeguarding trained – and this is monitored constantly.
Use the words or click the play buttons to listen to each audio tour point as you journey around the church. Paper copies of the tour are also available from the welcome desk.
As you explore, give your imagination time to consider the heritage of the building and allow yourself time to discover how God is alive and active in the world and in your life.
Please be assured that we take your safety most seriously. Every volunteer and officer you might meet whenever you come here is DBS checked and Safeguarding trained – and this is monitored constantly.
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As you wander down the path you may feel the proximity of the building to the centre of Ely, you may have noticed the people passing by and the houses, pubs, shops, businesses and hotels around St Mary’s. This Parish Church serves a rapidly growing and vibrant City and we hope the welcome everyone receives here demonstrates that.
If you are not used to it - it can be a giant step to come in out of the daylight into the church building – but we would love you to come and tarry awhile – and let God speak into your life. |
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God is described as a loving Father in the story of the lost son. “When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him.” Luke 15.
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The porch might now be offering you shelter from the rain and wind or protection from the sunlight. As you enter the porch we hope you have a feeling you are on the threshold of a place of safety, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
This porch has been here for about 800 years – imagine the many people with their many motivations who have begun their visit to church just here – some entering with confidence – some more hesitant.
Whoever you are – wherever you are from – you are welcome here.
At this point – in summer you might begin to feel the cool of the interior – or in winter – it might be the warmth of the underfloor heating. In the redevelopment we have introduced a more sustainable approach to energy usage – in particular with air-source heat pumps – and plans for solar panels.
This porch has been here for about 800 years – imagine the many people with their many motivations who have begun their visit to church just here – some entering with confidence – some more hesitant.
Whoever you are – wherever you are from – you are welcome here.
At this point – in summer you might begin to feel the cool of the interior – or in winter – it might be the warmth of the underfloor heating. In the redevelopment we have introduced a more sustainable approach to energy usage – in particular with air-source heat pumps – and plans for solar panels.
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At this point you may just want to sit down and take a moment. This is a sensory space – a safe place to sit and catch your breath – whatever age you are – and however active you feel. Please use the materials and the toys to talk to each other about what questions you have about this place and the faith it represents.
Jesus said, "let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these". Matthew 19.
Jesus said, "let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these". Matthew 19.
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You are standing towards the back of the church. You might imagine that a few hundred years ago – on very cold nights – the surrounding sheep farmers would have brought their flock in here for shelter – the floor covered in straw and muck.
It may currently be laid out with tables and chairs. This is a deliberate departure from the previous pews. One primary school teacher said the pews said to them “sit down and listen” – whereas the tables and chairs say “stay a while and discover” – a much healthier way to embrace what is going on in this building. And now each Thursday – market day - this area becomes a buzzing café – a place to meet old friends and new – a place to come for a chat if you are on your own. And at other times of the week it is a place to come and sit with the refreshments available to you. This is a place to hold wedding receptions and funeral wakes – a place for organisations like U3A to hold education events – maybe it will see hustings at the next election – and dances, parties, wine tastings. Here we will host courses to discover faith – explore how to have better relationships - and to parent well. In traditional church communities this area might be thought of as our REFECTORY. A place of meeting in conversation or in silence – a place of story-telling – an Oasis from the outside world. Jesus told the story of a King who held a banquet saying, “Go to the street corners and invite everyone you see. Tell them to come to my feast.’ So the servants went into the streets. They gathered all the people they could find, good and bad alike, and brought them to where the wedding feast was ready. And the place was filled with guests.” Matthew 22 |
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So here we are in the tower room. Above you, for centuries, the bell-ringers have regularly issued their call to gather here for prayer and worship, to celebrate a wedding or, as in 2022 with Queen Elizabeth II, to sound a tone of mourning for a death.
This room is presented as a place of private conversation and prayer, where a listening ear can be offered – or a shoulder to cry on. In it counselling, coaching and mentoring sessions might take place. It reminds us that Jesus demonstrated God’s compassion and healing and we too can draw on those resources in prayer, expecting His Holy Spirit to be present. |
You might come here alone to do that inner work on your mind and spirit – maybe using a journal - retreating from all distractions – to give thanks for those things which help you to flourish and to confront those things which are holding you back. You might want to do this in the assurance that God is with you in these times of battle in our lives.
In traditional Christian communities this may have been called THE CELL. Not because you are confined like a prison CELL – but because you have come, out of choice, to spend time alone with God and to develop a spiritual rhythm for your life.
Anthony of Egypt says: "The one who sits in solitude and quiet has escaped from three wars: hearing, speaking and seeing; yet against one thing shall he continually battle: that is, his own heart."
But please be assured we are here to help and encourage you if you would like. Just ask.
In traditional Christian communities this may have been called THE CELL. Not because you are confined like a prison CELL – but because you have come, out of choice, to spend time alone with God and to develop a spiritual rhythm for your life.
Anthony of Egypt says: "The one who sits in solitude and quiet has escaped from three wars: hearing, speaking and seeing; yet against one thing shall he continually battle: that is, his own heart."
But please be assured we are here to help and encourage you if you would like. Just ask.
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You are standing in the Old Vestry. You might guess by its name that this is where the Vicar used to come to dress for leading services.
The idea was that by putting on their robes and scarves and covering their regular clothing – the vicar’s personality would be “camouflaged” and that the congregation would have no distractions from their worship of God in the service.
The vicar was ministering in ‘God’s name’ and not their own, they would wash their hands praying “O Lord, that being cleansed from all stain I might serve you with purity of mind and body.”
Today – we have laid this room out so that groups can meet in here – to share – to learn and to support each other. We have many such small groups – which are places of friendship, learning and prayer. You are very welcome to join one. Again – please just ask.
In a traditional Christian community this room might have been called the SCRIPTORIUM – where all sorts of learning, creativity and communication might take place.
Jesus said: "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18.
The idea was that by putting on their robes and scarves and covering their regular clothing – the vicar’s personality would be “camouflaged” and that the congregation would have no distractions from their worship of God in the service.
The vicar was ministering in ‘God’s name’ and not their own, they would wash their hands praying “O Lord, that being cleansed from all stain I might serve you with purity of mind and body.”
Today – we have laid this room out so that groups can meet in here – to share – to learn and to support each other. We have many such small groups – which are places of friendship, learning and prayer. You are very welcome to join one. Again – please just ask.
In a traditional Christian community this room might have been called the SCRIPTORIUM – where all sorts of learning, creativity and communication might take place.
Jesus said: "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18.
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Here you stand at the crossroads of the Church site. From here there is a straight line North to the main church door, East to the altar at the front of the church, South to the glass door through to the church room, toilets and office and West to the Bell Tower.
In a traditional Christian community this network of corridors would have been called the CLOISTERS. A place of pleasant distraction, of chance and surprising meetings including with those we might naturally avoid. I wonder who's coming down the cloister now? |
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But here you are standing at the centre of the cross shape, made by the tiles on the floor, a reminder of the story of Jesus, God with us, who left the security of His Father to be born a vulnerable human being on that first Christmas and who lived a perfect life, and eventually was cruelly murdered by the authorities – and in doing so took away the shame and injustice of all of creation, including you and me.
We encourage you to take a good look at Jesus and what He has accomplished for You on the Cross and through His subsequent resurrection – he offers us life in all its fullness and an eternal place with Him. Responding to His offer is the most important thing we can do in our lives.
“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3.
We encourage you to take a good look at Jesus and what He has accomplished for You on the Cross and through His subsequent resurrection – he offers us life in all its fullness and an eternal place with Him. Responding to His offer is the most important thing we can do in our lives.
“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3.
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If you come here for a service – you may well sit here. Christians have worshipped God for about 40 generations. Just think about that – how many generations can you trace back in your family?
St Mary’s Church hosts four regular services each week – on Sundays a traditional service at eight15 for those who prefer organ led worship – an intergenerational service at nine45 where all generations come to discover and worship together – a contemporary service at eleven15 for those who like a band to lead our singing. On Thursday (Market Day) communion is held at 9:30am.
“All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvellous deeds; you alone are God.” Psalm 86
St Mary’s Church hosts four regular services each week – on Sundays a traditional service at eight15 for those who prefer organ led worship – an intergenerational service at nine45 where all generations come to discover and worship together – a contemporary service at eleven15 for those who like a band to lead our singing. On Thursday (Market Day) communion is held at 9:30am.
“All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvellous deeds; you alone are God.” Psalm 86
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Here we stand at the ramp – a reminder that everyone, without condition, matters equally in God’s family. In the past it would have been very difficult for our less mobile visitors and members to play their full part in worship.
As this ramp leads from the congregation to the place from where worship is led – this ramp is particularly symbolic, emphasising the point that leadership is open to anyone regardless of any see or unseen challenges they may have. “For God does not show favouritism.” Romans 11 |
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You are standing on the reshaped podium. Here the preacher stands to discuss the Good News of Jesus, the minister leads worship, shares the bread and the wine and presides over those life events, weddings and funerals.
On here the band will assemble to play music and just below us you can see the organ cabinet for our more formal services. Until this space was cleared and made ready – the band would have been behind pillars and the organist unable to see the congregation. Here will assemble the mass ranks of choristers and musicians when we have concerts and this is where the actors might perform when plays are put on. All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances, and one [person] in [their] time plays many parts – Shakespeare. The podium is a reminder of the gifts that God gives each one of us, including you and me. He wants us to discover our gifts and play our part in the world. “God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given the gift of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If you are a preacher, see to it that your sermons are strong and helpful. If God has given you money, be generous in helping others with it. If God has given you administrative ability take the responsibility seriously. Those who offer comfort to the sorrowing should do so with Christian cheer.” Romans 12 |
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Now we stand in the Chancel. In the last century the choir would have sat here leading the singing parts of worship – the Rector’s ‘stall’ would have been situated here – along with a special chair for the Bishop of Ely.
Earlier we were at the Tower Room – the CELL – a place of private meeting and prayer – by contrast the chancel is about public, communal worship and collective prayer which unify us. Today the Chancel is a place for daily acts of prayer and worship – which anyone can join. During the COVID19 pandemic we have developed a daily morning act of prayer at 8:15 on WhatsApp which everyone is invited to join in with. As we move into the new building some of this will be led from the Chancel as we develop a hybrid discipline of prayer. Such planned times and 'intentional gathering' provide a structure, 'a discipline by which we come with others to God, whether we like it or not'. We also meet others whether we like them or not. You might notice that the Lord’s prayer begins ‘Our Father’ when Jesus taught us to pray he expected his people to come together – praying with others – a plural activity. In traditional Christian communities this space would be called the CHAPEL and you are welcome to come here to take a seat and pray alone or with friends and strangers. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen. |
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Now we stand at the historic font of St Mary’s. This has been here for a very long time, although the remains of an earlier font can be found in the memorial garden.
Many people celebrate their big moments, their life-events, here at St Mary’s – in particular weddings and wedding blessings, funerals, baptisms, christenings, thanksgivings for the birth of a child and confirmations.
It is good to come into church for such events – to acknowledge that God as forgiving father, unconditional friend and life inspirer is our partner in the journey.
We do hope you will consider coming to St Mary’s for your life events – please contact us online or via the office. Don’t forget you can also hold your reception afterwards in this building.
John baptized Jesus. After his baptism, as soon as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God coming down in the form of a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, and I am wonderfully pleased with him.” Matthew 3.
Many people celebrate their big moments, their life-events, here at St Mary’s – in particular weddings and wedding blessings, funerals, baptisms, christenings, thanksgivings for the birth of a child and confirmations.
It is good to come into church for such events – to acknowledge that God as forgiving father, unconditional friend and life inspirer is our partner in the journey.
We do hope you will consider coming to St Mary’s for your life events – please contact us online or via the office. Don’t forget you can also hold your reception afterwards in this building.
John baptized Jesus. After his baptism, as soon as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God coming down in the form of a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, and I am wonderfully pleased with him.” Matthew 3.
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Here we come to the Lady Chapel. So called for its dedication to Mary, the mother of Jesus, just like the church itself. All Traditional Christian communities would have had CHAPELS.
For centuries this chapel has been used for smaller services of prayer and worship, for smaller funerals and even for weddings. You will notice the new glass door which unites the lady chapel inside and the memorial garden outside. We might hold a short service of prayer, mourning and thanksgiving here prior to burying the ashes in the garden. |
Here we keep our memorial book and outside on the wall by the garden you will see the stone memorial. Notice too, the war memorials positioned just to the west of the Lady Chapel.
This chapel is a place to light a candle and pray silently – or to come with people close to you to offer prayer and thanks together.
Jesus said: “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 3.
This chapel is a place to light a candle and pray silently – or to come with people close to you to offer prayer and thanks together.
Jesus said: “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 3.
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When the glass door is unlocked – please walk through into the garden. Gardening embodies work as prayer; doing something practical can open the mind to God; 'when our hands are occupied the mind is free.' The garden itself is a gift of God; an open space with colours, air, birds, creatures that speak of God, which grow as he intended.
Once again all traditional Christian communities would have had GARDENS. Today we see gardens as places of leisure but this is a relatively recent view. In monastic times, except for the aristocrats, the garden would have been about manual labour and food production, provision for the community. Most of us today fulfil our labour not in a literal garden, but in an urban context of the world of work. Sitting in the garden might help us to rehabilitate work to its rightful place in our lives and might help us to reflect that it is good to give some of our income to the work of the church. Under this grass in this particular place lie the buried remains of recent generations of those who have died. But although it is a place of remembrance – it is also a place of joy and play and wonder. The children’s groups, throughout the week, use this grass as a place to play, learn and discover together. |
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St Paul says: "we are God’s servants, each of us with certain special abilities, and with our help you believed. My work was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos’ work was to water it, but it was God, not we, who made the garden grow in your hearts.”
1 Corinthians 3.
1 Corinthians 3.
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Finally we take a quick look at the halls. In these rooms a myriad of different groups assemble and meet, some to offer vulnerable adults a place of safety to gather, some to offer our local parents and children a great place to develop those social links with other families.
It is also where our Church Council meets - a group of 24, elected members and ministers, who try to listen to God and to look after the work and mission of the church. In that sense the church rooms represent our seventh and final place that you would find in a traditional Christian community – the CHAPTER – where decisions are made in community. A description of the early church in chapter: “All the believers were of one heart and mind, and no one felt that what they owned was their own; everyone was sharing. And the apostles preached powerful sermons about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and there was warm fellowship among all the believers, and no poverty—for all who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need.” Acts 4. |
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We hope you have enjoyed your visit, do tarry further, and continue to explore those seven sacred spaces that have been essential to all Christian monasteries and communities throughout history: cell, chapel, chapter, cloister, garden, refectory and scriptorium. The dynamics of the seven places indicate how the church is to be when she is living fully at her best. When people are in Christ, and living in community as it should be, then we see people more fully alive.
The transformation of this building was made possible by money donated by the congregations alongside some grant funding. The day-to-day running of the church is funded entirely by the congregational members and gifts like yours.
If you would like to support the work of the church, which includes the Ely Foodbank; the Ely CAP Debt Centre; the Children’s Society; supporting a School in Kisumu, Kenya; and Climate Stewards, then please do use the contactless point provided or post your donation into the boxes.
The transformation of this building was made possible by money donated by the congregations alongside some grant funding. The day-to-day running of the church is funded entirely by the congregational members and gifts like yours.
If you would like to support the work of the church, which includes the Ely Foodbank; the Ely CAP Debt Centre; the Children’s Society; supporting a School in Kisumu, Kenya; and Climate Stewards, then please do use the contactless point provided or post your donation into the boxes.
