St Catherine

St Catherine’s Church is beautiful and peaceful and is like a beacon on the hill. There has been a church on the site for hundreds of years but the present building dates back to 1876 and is Grade II listed; however there are records showing a church has been in existence since 1154. 

The nave is entered by the south door, which is covered by a simple porch. To the left of the door is the plain, octagonal 15th Century font, above which hangs a print of Holman Hunt's 'The Light of The World'. On the west wall is a small part of a wall painting, believed to have been salvaged from the previous building, and on the north wall hangs a list of rectors. The church has a reredos by William Butterfield (gifted by All Saints Margaret Street) and there is a late medieval timber chancel ceiling (possibly from Prittlewell Priory). 

The stained glass is the church's most striking feature. In the north wall are three single lights, depicting Mary with the baby Jesus, Jesus ministering to the sick ,and the Good Shepherd. The two double windows on the south wall show St Andrew with St Peter, and the disciples in the corn fields with the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Each window carries its own dedication. 

The churchyard obviously predates the church by many centuries. Early graves would have been marked by simple wooden posts, which over the years have been lost. The earliest decipherable headstone is dated 1733. The churchyard has Commonwealth War Graves and a wildlife area. Parking is available on the opposite side of Southend Road, behind the church hall. 

Our church is open every day, if you would like to come and sit in peace and quiet or to have a look round at our beautiful building.