To provide a safe and accessible approach and entrance to the church

To do that we need to:

• Provide a smooth tarmac surface on the drive up to the tower
• Return the tower doorway to use as the main entrance to the church
• To reinstate a first-floor ringing chamber
• To install a slope to replace the step into the church

To provide adequate comfort facilities for users and visitors to the church

To do that we ned to:

• Lower the floor in the vestry
• Divide the vestry to create space for comfort facilities
• Install adequate electric, water and sewage services and accessible toilet

To free up flexible space for modern worship, for use by the school and for a variety of concert and community uses

To do that we need to:

• Remove pews from the north and south aisles 
• To provide good facilities, heating and lighting
• To install discrete refreshment facilities

To ensure the building is sustainable for the future and contributes to mitigating environmental impacts

To do that we need to:

• Install a purpose designed and low energy lighting system
• Replace the oil burning heating system with a carbon neutral electric system
• To reduce drafts and install automatic sliding glass doors

To highlight the features and history of the church and community

To do that we need to: 

• Release internal space suitable for displays and presentations by the school, community and Overton Village Heritage Group.
• Introduce signage and QR codes to highlight historic features and inform visitors
• Develop displays presenting the history of the village and its community

The overall need is for a religious and community facility that will serve the church and village without the need for significant reordering for another century or more; Though the future may be uncertain, we can envisage the need for a place of prayer, contemplation and community. 

We are committed to ensuring that our cherished Grade II* listed church not only survives but thrives to serve the future generations of this community. This project is about a sustainable future rooted in faith, heritage, and community. It reflects our commitment to the long-term worshipping, social and environmental sustainability of St Mary’s Church, our congregation, and the wider community of Overton.

These proposed enhancements build on work completed during Phase 1 of our re-ordering which has already created more space at the front of the Nave to allow installation of a Nave Altar and enable more Concerts and School events. They are essential to securing the long-term use of St Mary’s for future generations. Without them, the viability of the church as an active and living place of worship and community is at risk. With them foundations are laid for a thriving, multi-use community hub that serves all ages and backgrounds while remaining respectful of the church’s historic character and tranquil yew tree encircled setting.

This project is designed with people in mind - the current congregation and those yet to come. By providing basic but essential facilities such as a toilet, a simple kitchen, and flexible space for children and our community, we will be able to welcome and retain families, support our elderly members, and ensure everyone feels included and comfortable. They will enable us to hold concerts and social gatherings, offer hospitality, create a centre to display the history of our community and so deepen the relationships that form the bedrock of a healthy church and village community.

This development is a way to broaden our outreach and relevance. Through a diverse range of activities - from children’s events to community coffee mornings, from quiet pastoral care sessions to creative arts workshops - we aim to make St Mary’s a place of real value to all who live in or visit our community.

As stewards of this wonderful building, we are committed to preserving its character while breathing new life into its mission. We believe that a vibrant, active church presence - visible to visitors and walkers on the Maelor Way and nearby public footpaths - will serve as a living witness to the Christian values of hospitality, compassion, and care. By creating space to highlight the history of the church and community, increase community activity and extend access to the church all year, we will create opportunities for all to experience its beauty, peace, and spiritual significance. This vision is built on a foundation of faith aligning our responsibility to serve God, care for His creation, and support our community. We are confident that these improvements will secure the future of St Mary’s Overton for generations to come. 

We are currently undertaking an initial Consultation exercise on how we may deliver on our Vision. You can contribute by giving us your views as we develop our plans. You can access the form BELOW  to make your contribution.