Bishop's Frome Hereford
(01885) 490582
http://www.fromevalleychurches.org.uk

St Mary’s Church is geographically the central church of the eight parishes and one of the largest. The congregation varies from 30-45 from a population of approximately 550. The electoral roll stands at 45. We hold a Sung Eucharist on First and Second Sundays with High Mass on Third Sundays with a growing choir. With the help of our new choir we are currently developing a Sung Evensong on alternate 4th Sundays at 6pm. We have a mid-week communion on the first Wednesday of the month at 10.30am followed by coffee at The Hop Pocket Craft Centre Cafe.

Our worship is part of our outreach and services at most of the major festivals attract large numbers of worshippers. Our annual fund-raising activities also involve the wider community. The largest event is our summer fete which attracts visitors from the village and beyond.​

History​

The Church of St. Mary is an architectural mix of Norman and Neo-Norman, the church dates back to the 12th century with the square tower, which holds a peal of 6 bells, being 14th century, the chancel dating from 1847 and the nave and north chapel from 1861. The architect was F.R.Kempson of Hereford.

The chuch is situated in the centre of the village and set back from the main road in a well maintained churchyard. The church is in excellent repair and includes some lovely features. The font is lead-lined Norman, one of only twenty in England. In a recess is a stone effigy of a man in a suit of mail dating from the late 13th century. He holds a sword and shield and his crossed legs rest on a lion. His habit is that of a Knight Templar.

The Lady Chapel was refurbished with materials from the now defunct Munderfield Chapel and is used for small services. There is a kitchen and a large seating area at the side of the church which is used for meetings and refreshments after services. The Friends of St Mary’s helps to finance repairs to the church.

Frome's Hill Hereford
(01885) 490582
http://www.fromevalleychurches.org.uk

Fromes Hill is a small community. Of its 200 inhabitants, 17 are on the church’s electoral roll and about 10-12 (all retired people) attend services regularly. The village has lost its village hall, shop and post office; there is no meeting place for the inhabitants other than the pub. Our vision is to make St. Matthew’s Church into a community meeting place as well as a place of worship. We hope that by reordering the inside of the church we can draw the inhabitants together as a community, and also bring them into the life of the church family. We want congregation and community to grow together, encouraging and supporting each other.​

St Matthew’s is a small, beautiful Victorian church. It was built in 1886, and has not altered architecturally in any way since. It is now a Grade 2 listed building, in reasonable repair. We have already shown that we can rise to the challenge of new work on buildings and facilities:

• Ten years ago we were advised that the roof needed replacing. By fund raising and successful applications to various grant making trusts we were able to finance the project and the work was completed seven years ago.

• In 2009 we were left a considerable amount of money: the only stipulation being that part of the sum be spent on
new memorial windows in the chancel apse. These were designed and made by a local stained glass craftswoman,
using ideas given to her by the church members. On 18th July 2010 the windows were dedicated by the Bishop of
Hereford.
• Recently we have been able to purchase some land adjoining the churchyard for use as a car park, again using some of the money left in the bequest.​

We are willing to fund raise to enable us to use the building in the future to fulfil our vision of mission and outreach.​​

History

St Matthew's is a small and beautiful Victorian church. It was built in 1886 and has now altered architecturally in any way since except for the new East windows made by a local artist which were installed in 2010 and dedicated by the Bishop of Hereford.

The church is a Grade 2 listed building.

​

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