This article was originally printed for our 150 years anniversary in 2005:

St. Mary's Church, Chippenham Celebrates 150 Years

St. Mary's Church, Chippenham is celebrating its Sesquicentennial (150 years) at a Mass and reception to be held on Sunday 4^th September, 2005.

The history of St. Mary's Church is emblematic of the history of the Catholic Church in England over the last 150 years.  As a result of the efforts of a few recently converted Catholics, St. Mary's Chapel, erected in St. Mary's Place, was blessed and opened on Wednesday 22^nd August, 1855.  These Catholics included Richard Hungerford Pollen and Mrs. Elizabeth Sophia Fellows.

The endurance and dedication of the small Catholic community that existed in and around Chippenham, endured the hostility and prejudice which began during England's reformation.  Through the continued work and commitment of St. Mary's earliest congregation, the numbers grew to today's Parish of approximately 3,000.  Where once, Catholics were not allowed to own land, St. Mary's small Parish grew from the original Chapel, to renting a Priest's house with a local Priest, opening a small but successful school and a convent, originally with three Sisters.

In February 1869, Bishop Clifford purchased a plot of land in Station Hill but due to complicated legal reasons no building was erected on this land until 1901.  The current presbytery on Station Hill was built in early 1901, and was ready for occupation in June of that year.  A building fund for a new Church to be built on Station Hill had been in existence for many years and on Wednesday 19^th June 1935, the foundation stone was laid.  On 29^th February 1936, the new St. Mary's Church was officially opened.  Unlike the opening of St. Mary's Chapel in 1855, the opening in 1936 was attended by several dignitaries including Chippenham's Mayor.

Throughout 150 years, St. Mary's in Chippenham has seen many changes.  We, at St. Mary's have been very blessed to have so many dedicated and loyal parishioners, the many Sisters, Curates and Parish Priests starting with Fr. William Ward to the current incumbent Fr. Desmond Millett who have faithfully served our community.

In appreciation for the hard work and dedication of so many people responsible for the 150 years there will be a Thanksgiving and Commemoration Mass on Sunday 4^th September, 2005 at 10:30 a.m.  The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Declan Lang along with Fr. Millett and other Priests from St. Mary's past.  Mass will be followed by a reception at the Angel Hotel, Chippenham.  Reception tickets are available at St. Mary's Church at a cost of £12.50.

Further information on the history of St. Mary's Church Chippenham can be found in the book, 'The History of St. Mary?' Parish, Chippenham  1855-1998' by Jack and Nora Coggles.  The book can be purchased from St. Mary's Church at a cost of £5.