St Mary the Virgin
Ewelme, Oxfordshire
St Mary's Ewelme is an exceptional church with a distinguished history.
In 1794, solicitor Robert Lovegrove, who lived in Calleva House on Wallingford’s High Street, became convinced of the Baptist position, was baptised as a believer and in that same year, built the chapel we still use. Then it was at the bottom of his garden but was given a Thames Street frontage. He had already gathered many supporters whom he promptly baptised and formed into a church. Over the years 1794-1813 Lovegrove baptised over 150 people, encouraging them to covenant together in fellowship; a form of that covenant statement is renewed each year by each member.
Memorials in the church remember some of the Lovegroves’ daughters who died young. Most of the family are buried in brick vaults below the chapel floor. The church building has seen additions over the years, and the 1996 extension in particular allowed us more space for the work we do with children and young people and other groups.
We are a vibrant active community of all ages and backgrounds, seeking to support each other, as we study the Bible and grow in our knowledge of God, and to reach out to our community with the love of Jesus.
