EMBARKING on a new year often brings much to celebrate and reflect upon and for the community of St Peter’s Church, Henleaze, this is certainly true. Throughout 2026, the church is marking its centenary; it is also preparing for the retirement in October of its vicar, Rev Mark Pilgrim, after 24 years in post.
Built in 1926 when Henleaze became a separate parish from Westbury-on-Trym, the church was designed to be ‘light and commodious’ and was joined by its Hall in 1937.
With a long history of engaging with its local community, the church hall served as a military convalescent hospital during WWII. It was also a venue for dances, youth groups and amateur dramatics during the 50s, 60s and 70s, with a number of local residents meeting their spouses or cutting their musical performance teeth at events held there.
Like the building, the worship tradition at St Peter’s has developed over time. The 1960s saw the installation of a splendid stained glass East Window and the suspension of a Cross above the altar made of aircraft steel, reflecting the significance of the aircraft industry (and Concorde) to the local community.
Central to St Peter’s throughout these years was the contribution of Reg Parker, organist and choir master from 1951 to 2017 – an unbroken 66 years! While the choir was central to St Peter’s for many years, the church’s worship style has changed and developed and continues to do so today. The emphasis now is on everything happening at St Peter’s being as open and accessible as possible, enabling everyone in the local community to enjoy life and thrive.
Key to this approach is, firstly, partnership with local charities and businesses to support seniors in the community. A ‘Later Life Hub’ with St Peter’s as its host and base, was launched in November 2024 and now offers some 36 activities per month. These include the Henleaze Seniors Film Club run with Home Instead, a FAB Café run with Age UK Bristol, and Grief and Bereavement sessions with Bristol Dementia Action Alliance, among others.
The second pillar of the church’s current development is the appointment of a children’s and families worker alongside the existing youth worker, to increase the opportunities it offers children and families. Mark, who served as Bristol Diocese’s children’s and youth officer, has always been keen to place children and young people at the heart of the church’s life.
A programme of events is planned to mark the centenary, which can be found on the St Peter’s website (https://www.stpetershenleaze.org/news/st-peters-centenary-programme). Highlights include Beating the Bounds in February and a Peace Feast and Eco Fair, both in April, along with a host of musical celebrations. The Harvest Festival in October will honour Mark’s retirement.
Mark, his wife Gabrielle and their four now grown-up children say they have enjoyed their time in Henleaze immensely and will continue to live in Bristol.
Describing their plans for the future, Mark says: “We look forward to pursuing our passions for open water swimming in Henleaze Lake and, in my case, dinghy sailing in the harbour.”
Mark found a question about his personal highlights over the past quarter-century tough, but he decided upon: “The Christmas Eve Crib Services attended by 600–800 people each year (before Covid), the development of the Later Life Hub, and keeping the church open and welcoming daily during Covid – with art displays, something to come to and space for reflection.”
His hope is that St Peter’s builds in its second century on its reputation for being open, providing space for people across Henleaze and the surrounding area to thrive through worship and community activity.