St Marylebone Parish Church

St Marylebone Parish Church has been at the core of Marylebone’s history and society for over 900 years, bearing witness to much change over its far-reaching history – changes that have happened both outside and inside the church building’s doors.

 

During the 1980s, the Rector Christopher Hamel Cooke had the novel idea of transforming the crypt into a space to serve the mental and physical well-being of its community. Hence, the crypt was cleared and a counselling centre and NHS GP surgery were brought into the church building. In more recent history, the church building has undergone another series of extensive restoration and refurbishment, including the installation of slate tiles on the roof, a new lift, and refurbished meeting and community spaces, such as the crypt you’re standing in now.

 

For many, the parish church is a symbol of community, uniting people and welcoming all, regardless of faith. We hope that through projects such as St Marylebone Memories, we can strengthen this sense of community.

The Rector, Christopher Hamel Cooke, during the 1980s transformation of the Crypt into a space for the community to receive vital services.
Elise, a long-term parishioner and member of the Parish Church Council.

 

Eddie was involved with the parish church council while living in Marylebone during the 1960s and 1970s, even sharing a flat with the curate of the church on Marylebone High Street!

 

Elise talks about the sense of community and home found in St Marylebone.

Elise was a member of the Parochial Church Council in the 1980s when the parish church was undergoing a period of extreme change as the crypt was transformed into a community space, an NHS GP surgery, and a psychotherapy centre.

James has seen the church building undergo its most recent transformation and reflects on how this has served the community.