The History of our Church
The parish was formed in 1868 and the church was built in 1874 at a cost of £2,500 with seating for 200 people. The building is of stone in the decorated style of the 14th Century, with chancel. nave, south porch, vestry and a western turret with one bell. St. Mary's is unusual having an apse with a south facing altar.
A rectory was built behind the church. This building was sold off in the 1970's and later burned down on May 21st. 1978.The parish covers over 7,000 acres and in 1891 the population was over 630 people.
In 1891 a chapel of ease was erected in West Fen. Dedicated to St. Mary Magdalen, this small stone building fell into disuse and was demolished in the 1970s.
The lych gate at St. Mary's was erected in 1932. One of the stained glass windows in the church is a memorial to the Revd T.T. Peyton. A small brass plaque commemorates a World War I soldier and in the churchyard are two war graves from the second world war.
In August 2009 work was completed to provide easy access by the provision of a gently sloping ramp to the church doors.
Inside, we have made space for wheelchairs and buggies and a welcome for everyone whatever their age or physical ability.
Since 1968 St. Mary's has not had it's own priest, but the parish has been held in plurality, first with St. John's and from 1978 with St. Peter's.
Rectors from 1873 through to 2008
1873-1927 Revd T.T. Peyton M.A.
1928-1968 Revd R.J.P. Peyton-Burberry
1969-1977 Revd F. Andrew and Revd J. Sillitoe
1978-1984 Revd Malcolm Broadhead
1984-1989 Revd Brian Ruddock
1990-1998 Revd David Spencer
April 12th 2000 The Revd Anthony Chandler was instituted and inducted as Rector of St. Peter's and St. Mary's by the Bishop of Huntingdon.