About our churches

St. Stephen's, Upper Basildon

St. Stephen's was built in 1965 in the shape of a fish, a symbol of the Christian faith, with a large 'crown of thorns' light fitting. The attached church centre was added in 1990, and has provided meeting rooms, a kitchen and toilets.

The church caters for all types of people, with traditional 8.00am Holy Communion Services and Family Services which either are all age or have Sunday Clubs for our younger members.

Informal services are held regularly which provide a more relaxed atmosphere for praise, prayer and teaching.

The parish also has a church building in Lower Basildon dedicated to St. Bartholomew's.

St. Mary's, Aldworth

St. Mary's is Norman in origin and consists of a chancel, nave, western tower and south aisle. It is perhaps most renowned for its nine stone effigies which represent five generations of the de la Beche family. The large size of the family members has led to them being known as the 'Aldworth Giants'.

The churchyard is also well known for the old yew tree which is said to be as old as the church itself. The tree fell in a gale in 1976, but part is still living. Village schoolchildren were told that King Alfred made bows from its wood. Other notable features include a Jacobean pulpit, connections with Lord Tennyson and Laurence Binyon, and a Norman 'flower-pot' font.

St. Clement's, Ashampstead

The church is a small, traditional building, dating back to the 13th century. The interior is simple and beautiful, decorated with 700-year-old wall paintings. It is kept open all day, and the frequent visitors comment on the sense of beauty and peace.

There is a service every Sunday, all traditional by strong congregational preference. There are two Communion services a month. A Choral Evensong with village choir and a monthly Morning Prayer have recently been reintroduced by popular request.