16 April 2026
St Mary’s Church in Stebbing reopened on Palm Sunday with a special service celebrating the completion of a major restoration project.
Around 300 guests gathered to mark the reopening of the Grade I listed building, which had been closed since October 2024. The service marked a major milestone in The Way Forward project, made possible through funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as support from charitable trusts and the local community.
The service was led by the Vicar of St Mary’s, the Revd Sue Hurley and attended by representatives from across the community and the Diocese of Chelmsford, including project partners, contractors, volunteers, local residents and the Archdeacon of Stanstead, the Venerable Kate Peacock.
Guests saw the transformed interior of St Mary’s for the first time, including new underfloor heating, improved lighting, flexible seating and enhanced facilities to support both worship and wider community use. The restoration carefully balances modern improvements with the preservation of the church’s historic character, helping to secure its future for generations to come.
After the service, guests gathered for a hog roast and refreshments to celebrate the completion of the works and reflect on the journey that made the project possible.
The Revd Sue Hurley said:
“This has been an extraordinary journey for our church and community. After years of planning, fundraising and hard work, it was wonderful to welcome people back into St Mary’s and celebrate together. This building has always been at the heart of the village, and now it is ready to serve the community in new and exciting ways.”
The reopening of St Mary’s marks not an end, but a new beginning. A programme of events and activities will continue throughout the year, inviting people of all ages to experience the building as a place of heritage, community and creativity.
St Mary’s also hosted an open day in April, giving the wider public a chance to explore the church, learn more about its history and enjoy family-friendly activities.
For more information, visit The Way Forward Project website by clicking on the link below.
This article is taken from the latest edition of WePray.
