Midnight mass at St Mary's Church was a very special way to celebrate Christmas last year. With more and more Churches choosing not to host a Midnight mass service, it is reassuring that the church in the centre of Sandbach remains open for people who choose to worship and to have a peaceful place to contemplate at this special time.
The Church was decorated with a real Christmas tree placed by each pillar within the body of the main Church with a large tree positioned at the front of the building. This was decorated by local children with a photo of themselves and a wish for children across the world who weren't so lucky as them at Christmas. It made for a very spiritual evening and a lovely way to celebrate the season.
The exterior of St Mary's, although beautiful in it's architecture, can make the Church appear quite a dark and intimidating place, however once inside you get the feel of a much smaller building with a intimate and friendly feel. Both regular parishoners and visitors are equally welcome.
A bit of history of St Mary's
St Mary's is a beautiful traditional stone church (built in 1220), however originally was made of timber and thatch in the Norman period. There may have been extensions to the original body of the church in the 14th century, however a major rebuilding circa. 1490 meant remains of the earliest stone church were found and renovation began.
By the early 19th century there is the description given in Ormerod's History of Cheshire indictating a tower, nave, chancel and side aisles which had at their ends two smaller chancels belonging to the Manor of Wheelock and Hall of Bradwall. At this time, the nave and aisles were extended to the east by 36 feet. The tower of the main church is supported on arches and the chamber below is open to the north and south through which a public footpath runs. The entrance to the church is at the west end under the tower and is surrounded by a vast historic cemetery.
History credit: Craig Thornber, Cheshire, England, UK read more