We are currently working on a bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund to begin this ambitious project. At the heart of this project is a desire to serve our community by preserving this stunning asset and it’s heritage in the village, to establish this worship space in the heart of Marchwood for years and generations to come and to nurture community engagement in the Church as a building and a family of faith.
We are looking to strengthen the historic links the Church here has had with the Military base in Marchwood. We are looking to continue to build a picture of this history. Here’s where you can help!
We would love to hear your stories and memories about St John’s as we bring together community, heritage and faith.
Email us your memories:
info@marchwoodandelingparish.org
or call us on the number below.
‘'It’s really big!’ Phoebe, aged 8
St John’s Marchwood - Restoring Heritage, Community and Memory.
Preserving a community shaped by service.
As many of you know, St John’s Church in Marchwood is in urgent need of restoration. Some of what we hope to do is below:
A new roof and related repairs due to damage of the years of water ingress
Remove floor to replace the original packing which is failing with a new lime mortar base (and hopefully underfloor heating) then replacing as much of the original victorian flooring as possible.
Replacing heating and rewiring of the Church building.
New accessible entrance to the West Door, including improved lighting.
Rearranging the West Entrance, with glass doors, new toilets and re establishing an eye line to the main door through the Church building.
Creating a safe level in the balcony to meet safety guidelines.
Develop a public display telling the story of St John’s Church and the history of Marchwood.
Create a community/cafe space in the south side of the building.
Thinking about the seating arrangements by maintaining as many pews as possible and introducing seating that allows for flexibility for events (like our Live Nativity, where we had 250 people in 2025!) and for art exhibitions and other events.
Up Grading the PA system for worship purposes and for music events for community and schools.
Memories shared so far:
‘On Ascension Day we all met at school and walked to St John’s for a service. Then we had the rest of the day off - what a special treat.’ (late 1930’s) - Pamela Drake
‘Just remembering Mrs Crouch and her Hundredth Birthday Party here in St John’s Church Hall. Gone but now forgotten.’ - Sue
‘I had my baptism here at aged 16. When I come home I visit the building which is calming in hard times.’ - anon
‘We were married at St John’s on 25th July 1953. Ronald almost didn’t make it because of the fleet review in Portsmouth for the Coronation. There were three weddings in the Church that day.’ - Pamela Drake
‘In the infants I did a Nativity and some Easter plays in St John’s’ - Robin, aged 9
Come and Pray.
If you are keen to support young people keep reading!
We are looking to work alongside Young Life - an international Christian Youth Charity - to develop youth provision in Marchwood and Eling Parish! We are hoping to do a prayer walk in Marchwood with the Young Life prayer support group on the morning of 13th June, starting at 9am.
This is a great opportunity to share the vision for starting Young Life outreach in September in Marchwood in partnership with local Churches and come together in prayer for young people in Marchwood!
Let me know if you’d like to join us by:
Email: vicar@marchwoodandelingparish.org
or you can also let us know via WhatsApp or call the office number below to let us know.
If you would like to volunteer with young people we would love to hear from you too!
