ST PETER'S CHURCH, THURLEIGH

Built in the 12th century, probably on the site of an earlier Saxon church, only the lower part of the original tower still survives an extensive rebuild done in about 1280, followed by another major rebuild in the 15th century. During the first half of the 20th century the congregation dwindled and the church fell into disrepair and the church was closed by the vicar in 1945 as it was considered unsafe. Villagers in 1948 decided the church should be re-opened, so after fund raising extensive restoration took place to the tower and chancel from 1956 and this part was re-opened in 1959. Restoration of the Nave began in 1970 and took less than a year. The tower houses 6 bells which are still rung. St Peter's Thurleigh has a 'Christians Together in Thurleigh' covenant with Thurleigh Baptist Chapel, which was signed by the Bishop of Bedford and leaders and members of both churches on 25th November 2007. Thurleigh Baptist Chapel is part of the Keysoe Row and Thurleigh Baptist Church. The two churches in Thurleigh work together and United services are held regularly, either in St Peter's or in the Thurleigh Chapel. Although an ancient building, St Peter's has been fitted in recent times with a disabled standard toilet and a kitchen area and infra-red heating. Further internal improvements are planned. It is surrounded by a churchyard which is still open to new burials. A war memorial is just outside the main gate to the churchyard and a new award winning community memorial garden and quiet space was recently built within the churchyard. Click here for photos of the memorial garden and its construction. Click here for details about the new 'Friends of St Peter's Thurleigh'. The church is usually only open when there are services, or when other work is being done there. If you wish to look around the church and you find it locked, then please contact a churchwarden or the vicar. Thurleigh: Population 700; Households 260; (Approx) (2001 Census)

Service times and styles of services Thurleigh Baptist Chapel where some of the united services are held. It was built in 1888 on the site of a former chapel. There is also a small Baptist Chapel at Keysoe Row (not pictured here) which is linked with Thurleigh.	10.00am every Friday in term time: Morning Prayer in St Peter's - a short quiet 'said' service. (See listings.) 1st Sunday in month: 11.15am - Morning Worship, in St Peter's 2nd Sunday in month: 11.15am - United Holy Communion, Common Worship, in St Peter's 3rd Sunday in month: 11.15am - United Service in the Baptist Chapel. (Communion alternate months) 4th Sunday in month: 11.15am - United Service either in St Peter's or in Thurleigh Baptist Chapel, see listings. When there is a 5th Sunday in the month and also at Patronal Festivals then there is a Benefice Holy Communion service, Common Worship, but this rotates around the three benefice churches, so see listings for details of time and place. (A Baptist service is normally held at Keysoe Row Baptist chapel on the 1st and 5th Sundays in the month at 11.15am. There are no Anglican or United services held there.) All services in Thurleigh use modern language. A Book of Common Prayer (BCP) Communion service using old traditional language regularly takes place in Milton Ernest on the 4th Sunday in the month. NOTE: Variations to service types and times occur during holidays, festivals and for other reasons, so please check the listings on this website (click below) and on church notice boards for up-to-date details. Click here for listing of Forthcoming Services and Events. Click here for Notices and Latest News across the Benefice.
Children	Children are welcome at all services. Adventurers and Explorers Sunday Clubs are not operating at the moment (see the Children and Youth page). Consequently, children are invited with their parents into our Sunday services. In particular the 'Morning Worship' services (1st Sunday in month Thurleigh; 2nd Sunday in Milton Ernest; 4th Sunday in Pavenham) are less formal and children will learn more easily from these. At a future date the Adventurers and Explorers will resume in some form and details will be here.
Coffee and Refreshments	Coffee, tea and biscuits (and sometimes more) is generally served after a 11.15am Sunday Service.
House Group	A house group meets in Thurleigh on the last Wednesday of the month at 10.30am. An informal Christian discussion group. About 1 hour followed by refreshments. All welcome. Venue alternates between 8 and 13 Keysoe Road. See the services and events listing page on this website.
How to find us	Entering Thurleigh High Street from the Milton Ernest direction, with The Jackal pub on the left, St Peter's Church is just a hundred yards or so up the hill on the right opposite the school. The postcode: MK44 2DB may be used if using Sat-Nav. Continuing further up the High Street, past the village hall, for a few hundred yards, the Baptist Chapel will be found on the left on the corner of the High Street with Keysoe Road. Use Postcode MK44 2DS if using Sat-Nav.