St. Bede, Milton Keynes

Introduction

The police moved to a new station in 1872, and the building became a Temperance Hall in 1881. By 1891 it was a Mission hall for the Plymouth Brethren, and it was taken over by the Baptists in 1915.

Architecture and furnishings

The building is of red brick in Flemish bond with stone and yellow brick dressings and a slate roof. The main entrance front faces east on to the former Market Square, with a central open pediment and giant Ionic pilasters. The first floor has an original courtroom ceiling divided into nine compartments by deep moulded beams, supported on four Tuscan columns. Peter Koenig painted the late 20th-century ceiling work "The river of Life," and three late 20th-century stained glass windows stand at the east end.

Parish life

Saint Bede's is part of the St Barnabas Cluster of Parishes in Milton Keynes, which shares resources, administrative staff and activities such as sacramental preparation, youth groups and prayer opportunities. Saint Bede's is a member of Churches Together in Newport Pagnell.

The Saint Barnabas Cluster team serves Saint Bede's in Newport Pagnell as well as Christ The King, Kents Hill, St Mary's, Woburn Sands, Our Lady of Lourdes, St Edward's, Shenley Church End and Christ the Cornerstone in the City Centre. The Bishop of Northampton celebrates the Sacrament of Confirmation every year in May or June.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Young people in year 8 or above are eligible for confirmation. Registration for confirmation takes place in the autumn. A ground floor chapel provides a full closed-circuit system for those unable to manage the stairs, allowing them to follow the service.