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last updated on 14/07/2008 09:06:20
I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me -
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:14-15
The church in Spencers Wood serves a large and growing community including the parish of Grazeley. There is a wide range of services and activities on offer, further details of which can be found via the links on the left.
The Church of St. Michael and All Angels was built in 1908 on land given by Henry Lannoy Hunter of Beech Hill who also made a substantial contribution to the building costs. A stone inscribed to his memory can be found in the church.
Holy Trinity Church, Grazeley
Opened in 1850, the 14th century style Church of England parish church of the Holy Trinity was built through the efforts of the Rev'd George Hulme (the incumbent of Trinity Church, Reading and who lived in Shinfield) and Mr Wililam Merry, a local landowner who lived at Highlands, Spencers Wood. It was built to designs by the architect Benjamin Ferry in the decorated style and it consists of a chancel, nave, north vestry, south porch and belfry with a single bell.
Inside the Church, an oak tablet on the north wall remembers the local men who lost their lives during the two World Wars with the inscription:
Ye that live on in English Pastures Green,
Remember us and think what might have been
A relaxed family church serving the village communities of Spencers Wood and Grazeley.
For a map of St Michael & All Angels, Spencers Wood from streetmap.co.uk click here (opens in a new window)
The churchyard is the final resting place for many local residents, landowners and their families.
Holy Trinity held its last service and closed its doors in January 2006 after 156 years of serving the community and the congregation is now served by St Michael and All Angels, Spencers Wood.
The building was designed by the architect, Mr Spencer Slingsby Stallwood, F.S.A. of Reading, and was built by Mr Charles Aldridge of Spencers Wood. The church was dedicated by Francis, Bishop of Oxford on Michaelmas Day 1908. The Reverend F J Lewarne was appointed Curate in Charge.
In 1913 the ecclesiastical parish of Spencers Wood was formed and St Michael's obtained independence from Shinfield and became a Parish Church in its own right. The Reverend Lewarne was instituted as the first Vicar on 27th April 1914.
Centenary Celebrations
2008 is St Michael's centenary year; keep an eye out in News & Events and Spencers Wood Notices for announcements of special events and services that will be happening throughout the year.