Church of St Mary and St Melor
A historic church in Amesbury, MA, with continuous worship since 979 AD, known for its welcoming community and beautiful architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the welcoming community
Church of St Mary and St Melor
Best Time
Experience the welcoming community
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic church in Amesbury, MA, with continuous worship since 979 AD, known for its welcoming community and beautiful architecture.
"Steeped in history and worth a look. It's only small, but very pretty inside."
Check Roof Status First
Confirm if the church is open for visitors due to ongoing roof repairs. :warning:
Engage with the Community
Stay for coffee after a service to meet friendly locals and feel the church's warmth. :coffee:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Fabric
Interior
Discover centuries of history visible in the church's ancient structure, a testament to its continuous worship since 979 AD.
Welcoming Atmosphere
Services
Experience a friendly and inclusive community, with warm welcomes and coffee after services.
Breathtaking Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the stunning architecture, described as breathtaking and very pretty, even for small churches.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check for Roof Repairs
Embrace Local Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Roof Status First
Confirm if the church is open for visitors due to ongoing roof repairs. :warning:
Engage with the Community
Stay for coffee after a service to meet friendly locals and feel the church's warmth. :coffee:
Explore Amesbury Town
Combine your visit with exploring local bakeries and scenic spots in Amesbury. +1 :city_sunrise:
Appreciate the History
Take time to learn about the church's long history, visible in its ancient fabric. :scroll:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Roof Status First
Confirm if the church is open for visitors due to ongoing roof repairs. :warning:
Engage with the Community
Stay for coffee after a service to meet friendly locals and feel the church's warmth. :coffee:
Explore Amesbury Town
Combine your visit with exploring local bakeries and scenic spots in Amesbury. +1 :city_sunrise:
Appreciate the History
Take time to learn about the church's long history, visible in its ancient fabric. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the church's breathtaking architecture and its deep historical roots, dating back to 979 AD. The welcoming community and friendly clergy are frequently highlighted, making services a positive experience. However, the church is currently closed to visitors due to significant roof damage, with repairs expected to take considerable time and requiring fundraising efforts.
"I recently had the pleasure of flowering a beautiful wedding at St Mary & St Melor. The church it's self is absolutely breathtaking and Kelvin went above and beyond in helping my team & I. He was incredibly helpful, kind and practical as we flowered amongst a busy open-church morning. I couldn't be more grateful to him and his pastoral team. Thank you for having us!
Images used in this review c/o Laura Wade Photography & Rebecca Shears Photography."
Nat - Feverfew
"We stayed in Amesbury for the weekend and finished our stay with a visit to this lovely little church. Steeped in history and worth a look. It's only small, but very pretty inside."
Lynn Mills (scouse_mouse)
"We’ve had amazing christening at the church , Fr Darren is amazing , lovely and very funny. The whole service was fun and relaxed. Will definitely be coming more regularly 🥰"
Judy Wilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located in Amesbury, MA. While specific public transport details are scarce, the town is accessible by car. Be aware of potential road closures in the area, as seen in local traffic updates.
Information on dedicated parking is limited, but as it's a small town, street parking or nearby public lots are likely options. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
Yes, Amesbury is about an hour's drive from Boston and offers fall activities like apple picking and visiting cafes, making it a feasible day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee mentioned for visiting the church. However, due to roof damage, access may be restricted. It's best to confirm current visitor status.
The church is a place of worship, and while it has been open to visitors, current hours may be affected by roof repairs. Services are held at the front of the church.
Advance booking is not typically required for visiting churches of this nature. However, given the current closure due to roof damage, it's wise to check for any special arrangements or updates.
Information on accessibility is not readily available. Given its historical nature, some areas might present challenges. It's recommended to contact the church directly for specific accessibility details.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a small but very pretty interior steeped in history, with visible remnants of its long past as a place of worship since 979 AD.
Yes, services are held, and visitors are made very welcome. The atmosphere is described as friendly, fun, and relaxed, with opportunities to socialize afterwards.
A guide to the church's history, dating back to 979 AD, is available, highlighting some of the visible historical elements within the church.
The roof damage has led to the church being closed to visitors. Services are being held at the front, and significant fundraising and assessment are needed for repairs.
📸 📸 Photography
While not explicitly stated, photography is generally permitted in churches for personal use, provided it is done respectfully and without flash, especially during services. Always be mindful of ongoing events.
The church's historical architecture, both inside and out, offers picturesque opportunities. The interior's ancient fabric and the exterior's charm are notable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For the church visit, focus on the historical aspect. Engaging children with stories of the past and the church's long history can make it interesting. However, be mindful of the current closure due to roof damage, which might limit exploration.
⛪ History Enthusiasts
Take advantage of the available guide to understand the historical context and significance of various architectural elements. The church's resilience and enduring presence are a powerful testament to its historical importance in the region.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
Even with ongoing repairs, services are held at the front, ensuring the church's spiritual life continues. The clergy are noted for their engaging and relaxed approach, making services a positive experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The church's enduring presence makes it a significant landmark in Amesbury, MA. Its resilience through time is a testament to its importance in the community. Even with current challenges like roof damage, the historical value remains immense.
When planning your visit, remember that the church's age means it's a place of historical preservation. Respectful observation is key to appreciating its ancient charm.
Community and Services
Services are described as fun and relaxed, with clergy like Fr. Darren noted for being amazing, lovely, and very funny. This approach makes attending a service a genuinely enjoyable and engaging experience, encouraging regular visits.
If you're looking for a spiritual experience combined with genuine human connection, attending a service here is highly recommended. It's an opportunity to witness a living community that cherishes both its history and its present members.
Navigating Current Challenges
The repairs are expected to take a considerable amount of time, and fundraising efforts are underway to gather the necessary money. This means that any planned visit should include checking the latest status of the repairs and accessibility.
While the closure is unfortunate, it highlights the community's dedication to preserving this historic site. Visitors interested in supporting the church can look for information on how to contribute to the repair fund.
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