Greenham boasts a fine example of Victorian art and architecture. The old church of St Mary, which stood almost on the site of the present building, may be seen on the picture below. Part of it was built in the 13th century. The old church was pulled down, and the present church built in 1876. However, it was pulled down in 1875 and the foundation stone of the present church was laid in its place on 31st July 1875. Designed by Woodyer, one of the leading ecclesiastical architects of the time, the new church cost £3455. On 24th October 1876 it was consecrated by the Bishop of Oxford.

The Murals

In 1883, a porch was added to the south side of the church and five years later an organ, built by Alphonse Cary of Newbury, was also installed. It was inaugurated on 13th December 1888. Regarded as a fine instrument, it was fully renovated in 2000 and is regularly used at the 8.30 am Prayer Book Communion service.

The frescoes and other mural decorations were added during the years 1888-1891 from designs by Mr. J.A. Pippet, On the north side of the Chancel arch is painted a figure of Jesus, and on the south side, above the pulpit, one of Isaiah. Above are the twelve apostles, each holding a scroll on which is written a clause of the Apostles’ Creed.

The words ‘My soul doth magnify the Lord’ are repeated twice between each pair of rafters in the roof, but the first two words are cut by the horizontal beams.

Similarly, the monogram ‘IHS’ is repeated many times on the ceiling of the chancel. They may be taken as the first Latin words, ‘Jesus Hominum Salvator’ (Jesus, Saviour of Men), but are usually taken to stand for the first three letters of the name of Jesus in Greek.

The carved reredos with the figures of creatures symbolising the four Evangelists on either side of the Crucifixion, was given as a memorial to the Rev. Archibald Hamilton, who was the first vicar of Greenham (from 1859 to 1869).

The Old Chapel 1741.

If you would like to make a donation for the upkeep of this lovely church, please leave it in the box at the back of the church.

Cheques should be made payable to:
"St Mary’s PCC"

Thank you.

St Mary’s Church: a Grade II* listed building.

The Painted Glass Windows

The War Memorial Window, next to the main door, shows a knight kneeling before the altar, keeping his vigil. The carved figure in the centre with a sword at rest symbolises the end of strife. The angel on the left with quill pen and inkpot records the names of those who have served faithfully. On the other side is St George striking down the dragon.

The glass of the Jesse Window, next to this, was painted in 1618. It was given as a memorial to the late Lord of the Manor.

The recumbent figure represents Jesse, the father of David. Near his left elbow can be seen the stem of a vine. The figures with crowns and sceptres joined to the stem by branches represent David, Solomon and other kings who reigned in Jerusalem. Nearly at the top on the right hand side is a figure with hand raised in blessing, which appears to represent God the Father. The original glass on the other side is missing. Probably it showed a symbol of the Holy Spirit - the Virgin Mary and Child completing the whole.

The other windows do not call for much comment. It should be noted however that the windows on the South of the Chancel relate to the paintings on each side of the embrasures. They are good examples of their period and in harmony with the church, which is a fine example of Victorian art and architecture, and a grade II* listed building.