Church of the English Martyrs, Chard

Introduction

The Church of the English Martyrs in Chard, within the Diocese of Clifton, is a Victorian Gothic building designed by Sir Frank Wills of Bristol and built with local flint stone, freestone dressings, and Oregon pine beams.

History

Canon Lee laid the foundation stone on 24 September 1925. Bishop Burton opened and blessed the completed church on 22 June 1926, the Feast of St Alban. Chard then became a parish in its own right, having previously belonged to St George’s, Taunton. St Joseph’s, Ilminster, and St Peter’s, Crewkerne, are daughter churches of Chard.

Architecture and furnishings

A statue of Blessed Richard Whiting, the last Abbot of Glastonbury, stands above the main door. The nave and choir loft remain original. The hall comprises two classrooms brought from Langport and occupies the site of the former tin hut church, itself relocated from St Joseph’s, Fishponds. In 1966, a Portland stone altar was installed for Mass facing the people, and the tabernacle was moved to the former confessional site.

The original sanctuary featured a carved oak altar set beneath an arched window. The altar canopy is of ash and afrormosia with brass details, while the sanctuary furniture and the 1966 altar rail are oak. Wall crosses and candle holders commemorate the consecration, which is marked annually with a special Mass.

Music and liturgy

A monthly sung Mass at Chard uses English plainchant and includes a sung psalm. All Vigil and Sunday Masses at English Martyrs, Chard, include hymns that fit the liturgy, and the music may be accompanied or unaccompanied. The Parish Liturgy Committee meets twice a year to plan parish celebrations, especially during Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. Readers are commissioned, usually as a group during a Mass chosen by the Canon.

Regular events

The parish holds an annual Carol Service followed by Mince Pies in the Parish Hall. The parish hosts a Lenten Lunch, with funds raised going to a selected charity.

Sacraments and pastoral care

If housebound or unable to attend Mass due to illness, parishioners may receive Holy Communion at home by contacting the Parish Office. The annual Glastonbury Pilgrimage in 2026 drew around a thousand pilgrims and had the theme 'Mary, Mother of the Faithful'. The parish takes part in the Chard Churches Together summer holiday club for primary school aged children, held at Holyrood Academy.

Visiting

The parish arranges a coach to the Chrism Mass at Clifton Cathedral for parishioners. The parish takes part in the Annual Pilgrimage to Glastonbury, whose 2024 theme was 'Mary, Woman of Prayer'. A Saturday Coffee Morning features festive goodies, a 100 Club Draw and a Raffle. A Harvest Mass is followed by a Family Picnic with games for youngsters. The parish holds a monthly coffee morning.