Places of worship in Malvern, Worcestershire
Among the places of worship in the town and area of Malvern, Worcestershire are centres of dedication to many faiths and denominations. The town has 31 Christian churches with 11 belonging to the Church of England, ranging from low church to high Anglo-Catholic, two Roman Catholic, one Evangelical, and the others being Non-Conformist and other faiths. Its oldest place of worship is Great Malvern Priory which is all that remains of the former 10th century abbey of which according to the Worcester Monastic Annals, work began in 1085. The chain of Malvern  Hills lies in a north-south direction, thus posing a challenge for the architects of Christian churches located on the steep slopes, chancels being traditionally sited at the east end of the building. Many churches were built in the 19th century concomitant with the rapid expansion of the town due to its popularity as a spa. A few modern buildings such as St Mary's Church (1960) in Sherrard's Green, have been constructed in the second half of the 20th century, and some churches, notably St Andrews in Poolbrook, have had important modern extensions added during the first decade  of the 21st century. All institutions are listed in alphabetical order by faith, denomination and facility. Some link to their more complete Wikipedia pages. Church of England. All Saints Church. Style of worship: Open evangelical All Saints remains as one of two C of E churches in Malvern Wells following the closure of St Peter's Gothic style church designed by Robert Jearrad (1836). Built in 1930 in 13th-century style in Malvern rag-stone by architect Troyte Griffith of Nevinson & Newton, to whom Sir Edward Elgar dedicated an Enigma Variation, it is located on steep sloping common land donated  by Lady Emily Foley, it has a semicircular apsidal chancel which demonstrates the architectural challenges of east-facing chancels on the flanks of the Malvern Hills, and an organ by Nicholsons. Location: Wells Road, The Wyche, Malvern Wells Built: 1903 Architecture: 13th-century style. Architect: Troyte Griffith Organ: Nicholson & Co Ltd. Bells: One, in a small turret. Notable people in cemetery: Parish:Malvern Wells and Wyche Incumbent: Dave Bruce (Chase Team Rector) Website: All Saints, Malvern Wells Further reading: Roden, Hugh C. B. (1923) "A guide to All Saints' Church, the Wyche, Malvern". W. H. Lovel, Malvern. OL17391375M Christ  Church. Style of worship: Standard Church Of England liturgy, 'relaxed and informal'. Location: Avenue Road, Great Malvern, within 200 metres of Great Malvern station and Malvern St James School Parish: Christ Church. Built: 1875, the church is a Grade II listed building, and an English Heritage grant (2015) aided place of worship, Architecture: Designed and built by T D Barry & Sons of Liverpool to seat 700 people, its architecture is based on pure 14th century Gothic style with a 55-metre spire and an east window by Charles Eomer Kemp. Organ: 1,486 pipe organ constructed by Nicholsons of Malvern in  1884, restored and repaired in 1971 and 1986. Bells: Two bells in the tower, a 6 cwt in C, and a 7 cwt in D were cast by John Taylor & Co, Loughborough in 1875. Notable people in graveyard: The church does not have its own graveyard; burials take place in the nearby Great Malvern cemetery in Madresfield Road. Incumbent: Canon Harold Goddard, vicar, 2015 Website: Christ Church, Malvern Church of the Ascension. Style of worship: 'Forward-looking Church of England using a modern Catholic liturgy based on an inclusive, liberal theology'. Location: Somers Park Avenue, Link Top. Parish: Malvern Link  with Cowleigh. One of the three churches in the parish that also includes St Matthias' Church in Malvern Link and St Peter's Church in Cowleigh. Built: 1903. Grade II listed building (1991) Architecture: Early English Gothic by Gothic revival architect Sir Walter Tapper, his first church. Early English style in Cotswold stone with lancet windows, featuring a stone relief of the Ascension by Harry Hems. Modeled on a 13th century Cistercian monastery, the building is noted for its acoustics and is a regular venue for choirs and Gregorian chants. Bells: none. The former two bells were sold in the  1960s to raise funds Notable people in cemetery: no consecrated cemetery Current incumbent: As of 22 April 2018, The Rev. Phillip Johnson, vicar Church web site: The Ascension Centre for Contemplation and Reconciliation Parish website: Malvern Link with Cowleigh Holy Trinity. Location: Link Top, North Malvern Parish: North Malvern Built: 1850-51 as a Chapel of Ease to Malvern Priory, It became its own parish in 1869. Expanded 1872, 1896-7, 1908-9 (Grade II Listed[) Architecture: Early Decorated/Early English by Samuel Daukes, London, with influences of the Oxford Movement Bells: 2 Organ by Nicholson & Co Ltd of Worcester , 1878. Later organs (electronic), 1975, 1988, by Makin Organs Notable people in cemetery: Current incumbent: , The Revd William (David) Nichol Website: holytrinitymalvern. St Andrew's Church. Style of worship: Open evangelical Location: Poolbrook Parish: Parish:Malvern Wells and Wyche Built:1882 by Sir Arthur Blomfield in memory of a member of the Chance Brothers glassware family. Architecture: 13th century style (Early English) Bells:1 Notable people in cemetery: Current incumbent: Dave Bruce (Chase Team Rector) Website: st andrew malvern St Giles Church (Little Malvern Priory). Style of worship: Location: Little Malvern Grade I listed (1968) Parish Little Malvern, Built: Architecture: was part  of a Benedictine Priory founded in 1171. 14th - 15th century 15 and has some Norman remains. Bells:1 by John of Gloucester ca. 1354 Organ: 1882 by William Hill & Sons, London. Refurbished 2018-19 by Nicholson & Co Ltd Windows: Stained glass, 1480 Notable people in cemetery: Current incumbent: Revd. Canon Eric Knowles, since 1990 (as at 2019), vicar Website: Little Malvern Priory St James's. Style of worship: Location: West Malvern Parish: West Malvern, originally 'Mathon St. James', renamed 1844 Grade II listed (1949) Built:1885 Architecture: 13th century style (Early English). Malvern ragstone with ashlar dressings Bells:1 Notable people in cemetery : Peter Mark Roget (1869) of "Roget's Thesaurus" Current incumbent: The Revd Rebecca Elliott (as of January 2021) Website: Facebook St Leonard. Style of worship: High Church (Anglo-Catholic) Location: Newland Parish: Benefice of Powick and Guarlford and Madresfield with Newland Built:1862. Grade I listed Architecture: 14th century style by Philip Hardwick(p. 17), Gambier Parry fresco technique Bells: Notable people in cemetery: Current incumbent: Fr. Christopher Sterry, Chaplain Website: beauchampstleonard St Mary's Church, Pickersleigh. Location: Sherrards Green Road, Malvern Parish: Pickersleigh (a new parish created in September 2014). Built: 1958 originally as a chapel of ease for Christchurch to  serve the many council estates in the area. Architecture: Mid 20th century Bells: None Notable people in cemetery: No cemetery. Current incumbent (2020): The Rev. Lynne Sparkes Website: St Mary's Church, Pickersliegh St Mary the Virgin. Location: Guarlford Road, Guarlford Parish: Benefice of Powick and Guarlford and Madresfield with Newland Built:1844 Architecture: George McCann to a design by Thomas Bellamy of London. Bells: none Notable people in cemetery: Current vicar/priest/minister: The Rev. Gary Crellin, Recto (as of 2020) Website: Guarlford parish St Matthias' Church. Style of worship: High Church; 'Forward-looking Church of England using a modern  Catholic liturgy based on an inclusive, liberal theology'. Location: Church Road, Malvern Link Parish: Malvern Link with Cowleigh Built:1844 by Mc.Cann, Malvern.. Tower added 1898-9 by Collins & Godfrey of Tewkesbury. Grade II Listed Architecture: Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, and Harvey Eginton of Worcester Bells: 10, cast by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough. #10 in 1899, 3 to 9 in 1900 and #1 and 2 added in 1994. The Tenor weighs 16 cwt and is tuned to F#. The first full peal of Grandsire Triples was rung on 1 June 1901 in St Matthias See also: Stedman  Triples rung at St Matthias Notable people in cemetery: Incumbent: As of 22 April 2018, The Rev. Phillip Johnson, vicar Website: St Mathias' Church Parish website: Malvern Link with Cowleigh St Peter's Church, Cowleigh. Style of worship: 'Forward-looking Church of England using a modern Catholic liturgy based on an inclusive, liberal theology'. Location: Cowleigh Bank, North Malvern Parish: Malvern Link with Cowleigh Built:. 1865 II listed Architecture: George Edmund Street Bells: Notable people in cemetery: Incumbent: As of 22 April 2018, The Rev. Phillip Johnson, vicar Website: St Peter's Parish website: Malvern Link with Cowleigh Protestant, Reformist , other denominations. Baptist. Malvern Baptist Church Style of worship: Baptist Location: Abbey Road, Great Malvern Affiliation: Heart of England Baptist Association / Baptist Union of Great Britain. Built: ca. 1920 Architecture: Traditional church building in Victorian non-conformist style Bells: None Notable people in cemetery: No consecrated churchyard Current incumbent: Rev Dave Clarke, minister (as of 2020) Website: Malvern Baptist Church United Reformed Church. Malvern Link, Worcester Road Founded 1903 as Malvern Link Free Church (Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion) Parish/Affiliation: The West Midlands Synod Minister: Reverend Ken Martin (as of 2020) Web site: URC in Malvern Link Holly Mount  Founded 1876 Relocated 2019 to hold Sunday worship at The Cube, Albert Road North, a community centre, with other activities held at the URC Church in Malvern Link and the Lyttelton Well Rooms in Malvern. Organisation/Affiliation: Malvern and Worcester team pastorate Minister: Web site: Holly Mount Church In July 2021, plans were announced to convert the former Holly Mount church building on Queen's Drive for residential use. Non aligned. Eden Church Repurposed: 2010 Leader: Mike Gibens (as of 2020) Location: Eden Centre (since 2015), Grovewood Road, Malvern Website: Eden Church Malvern Evangelical Church,. Location: 204-208 Pickersleigh Road , Malvern WR14 2QX Built:1975 Architecture: Late 20th century. Current vicar/priest/minister: Website: Malvern Evangelical Church Catholic. St Joseph's Church. Style of worship: Location: 1245 Newtown Road, Link Top, Malvern, WR14 1PF Parish: St Joseph, Malvern Built: 1876. Expanded: 1997 Architecture: Incumbent: Fr Naz Mgungwe, parish priest (as at 2020) Website: St Joseph's, Malvern St Wulstan's Church. Style of worship: Mass, Adoration. Benedictine with Gregorian Chant. Sacrosanctum Concilium ( Vatican 2 Decree on the Liturgy) Location: Wells Rd Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 4JL, Parish: St Wulstan, Catholic Diocese of Birmingham (Worcester Deanery), Built: 1862. Major restoration 2003/4 aided by  a grant from English Heritage. Architecture: Bells: Organ: 1841 by John Nicholson. Refurbished/restored 1974, 1981, 2017 Notable people in cemetery: Edward Elgar, English composer; Dorothy Howell, English composer Incumbent: Fr Edward Crouzet, parish priest (as at 2020) Website: St Wulstan's Church in Little Malvern Christadelphian. Style of worship: Christadelphianism / Biblical unitarianism Christadelphian Hall Location: 21 Abbey Road, Great Malvern Incumbent: Christadelphians ("ecclesias") do not have permanently appointed preachers Website: Malvern Christadelphians Interdenominational. Wyche Free Church Style of worship: independent evangelical church Location: Jubilee Drive, Upper Colwall, Malvern Founded: ca. 1850 Parish: self-governing Affiliation: FIEC - Fellowship of Independent  Evangelical Churches Built: present church built in 1910 Architecture: Bells: Notable people in cemetery: No consecrated churchyard Elders (2020): Peter Goodbury, Rev John Grindell. Pastor: None (2020), weekly ministry of experienced visiting preachers. Website: Wyche Free Church Methodist. Landsdowne Crescent Methodist Church. Style of worship: Methodist Location: Great Malvern, Landsdown Crescent Parish: South West Worcestershire Circuit Built: 1866 Architecture: Gothic Revival, by John Tarring of London Bells: Notable people in cemetery: Current vicar/priest/minister: Rev Nigel Coke-Woods, minister (as at 2020) Website: Somers Park Avenue Methodist Church. Style of worship: Methodism Location: Malvern Link Founded on current site : 1880s Parish: South West Worcestershire Circuit Built: Current building: 1936. Expanded 1960-61 Architecture: Bells: Notable people in cemetery: Current incumbent: Rev. Nigel Coke-Woods, minister (as at 2020) Website: Somers Park Methodist Non-Denominational. Life Church Location: Meets at Malvern Vale Community Centre, Swinyard Road Affiliation: Part of the New Frontiers Family of churches and Christ Central Built: N/A Architecture: N/A Bells:N/A Notable people in cemetery:N/A Incumbent/Lead person: Immy Sharp, Children's and Community Worker Website 1: Life Church Malvern Website 2: New Frontiers Jehovah's Witnesses. Location: Kingdom Hall, 1 Orford  Way, Malvern, WR14 2EH Quakers. Friends Meeting House Style of worship: resembles the services of other Protestant denominations, although in most cases does not include the Eucharist Location: Orchard Road, Malvern Parish/Group: Worcestershire & Shropshire Area Meeting, Religious Society of Friends Built: Architecture: Bells: N/A Notable people in cemetery: N/A Current vicar/priest/minister: Website: Malvern Quakers Salvation Army. Style of worship: Christian, various Location: Newtown Road, Link Top, Malvern Parish: N/A Built: N/A Architecture: N/A Bells: N/A Notable people in cemetery: N/A Current vicar/priest/minister: Sarah Griffiths, Lieutenant (2020) Website: Salvation  Army Malvern Buddhist Temple. Amida Mandala Buddhist Temple Location: 34 Worcester Road, Great Malvern Built: 1820s (former Breedon Guest House, acquired by Amida Trust, 2014) Style of worship: saying or chanting "Namo Amida Bu" Orientation: Amidism - Pure Land Buddhism, a broad branch of Mahayana Buddhism Governance: Amida Trust Affiliation: European Buddhist Union Resident Head of Ministry team: Rev Satyavani, Pureland Buddhist Priest, Order of Amida Buddha Head of the Amida Order: Dharmavidya David Brazier Website: amidamandala