Saint Mary, Derby

Introduction

Saint Mary, Derby, in the Diocese of Nottingham, was consecrated on 9th October 1839 by Bishop Walsh as the first church built in Derby since the Reformation.

History

The foundation stone of Saint Mary, Derby, was laid on 28th June 1838, the same day Queen Victoria was crowned. Father Thomas Sing, arriving in 1836, set about building the church, and his choice of Pugin was influenced by John Talbot, the 16th Earl of Shrewsbury. In 1860 lightning destroyed some pinnacles of the main tower, and in 1907 another pinnacle crashed onto the church roof during a service. The only significant addition to the structure since opening was the Lady Chapel in the 1850s.

Large scale building or decorating projects took place in 1854-1855, 1876, 1892, 1898-1901, 1927-1931, 1968, 1979, 1986-1989 and 2016. The church is in the gothic Perpendicular style with pointed arches. Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812-1852) designed Saint Mary, Derby.

Architecture and furnishings

The stained glass of the Lady Chapel and windows depict St Ralph Sherwin, the Padley martyrs, Blessed Nicholas Garlick, Robert Ludlam, Richard Simpson, Blessed Christopher Buxton, and St Catherine Labouré.

Parish life

The Caring Group visits parishioners who are sick or housebound and organises the parish Food Bank Appeal. Each summer the parish welcomes one of the Arusha priests to Derby for two months to help in St Mary's and Holy Family parishes.

The parish has a Baptism Programme of five sessions for parents, offered twice a year in Autumn and Spring. The Bishop confirms candidates, usually of secondary school age, about every three years. The parish runs a three-session marriage preparation programme led by the priest and married couples.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish offers the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick on an individual basis as required, and holds a parish Anointing service every year. Funerals are usually arranged through local undertakers in conjunction with the priest.