The churchyard is award-winning, and there is a new burial ground donated for community use. The churchyard is regularly maintained, and a £400 grant from the Wem Rural Parish Council, received earlier in 2024, was gratefully accepted to support this upkeep. The churchyard also includes a “wild area,” where wildflowers bloom in the spring, supporting local biodiversity by providing a habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
St Mary’s Church is Grade I listed, dating back to 1150, and is one of the most complete Romanesque buildings in Shropshire. The building features medieval wall paintings and Victorian stained glass windows. The church has historical links to Richard III, and George Bernard Shaw visited Edstaston and the church several times in the early 20th century.
The church has a small but dedicated congregation, with members of the wider community attending special and festival services such as Harvest, Christmas, and Easter. Joint and combined services with other PEW (Prees, Edstaston & Whixall) congregations provide opportunities to worship as part of a larger group.
The PCC works extremely hard to fundraise in a variety of creative ways, and parishioners come together to maintain the building and church grounds. The church runs a 100 Club lottery draw each month. St Mary’s also has a close relationship with the village hall, often hosting successful and lively fundraising events, such as their Beer Festival, concerts, and comedy nights.
Upcoming Services & Events at St. Mary’s:
- 8th Sept, Sunday, 11.00 am: Holy Communion service
- 13th Oct, Sunday, 11.00 am: Harvest Festival service
- 14th Oct, Monday, 6.30 pm: Harvest Supper and Produce Auction – Edstaston Village Hall
- 3rd Nov, Sunday, 6.00 pm: All Souls service
- 10th Nov, Sunday, 10.45 am: Remembrance service
- 8th Dec, Sunday, 11.00 am: Holy Communion service
- 20th Dec, Friday, 6.30 pm: Carol service
- 25th Dec, Wednesday, 8.00 am: Christmas Day service
You can keep up to date with what’s happening at St Mary’s via Facebook – search “St Mary’s Edstaston” or “PEW Group,” or contact Bryn Thomas at 01939 232505 for any further details.
View the photo album here
