development appeal
The Development Appeal - the final stage
During the past year major restoration and conservation work has taken place, cleaning the inside and outside of the building, re-wiring, re-lighting, re-painting, restoring crumbled stonework, conserving wood and providing full access to the Old Library and through the churchyard. In addition a wide programme of interpretation is being made available, telling the heritage story of St Mary's. Click here to read more about the work that has taken place over the last year.
Our team of volunteer photographers documented every stage of the building works. To view their pictures, please visit the photography exhibition on the heritage website.
All this has been enabled by the award of an Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £3.4million, a grant from the Clore Foundation, the University of Oxford and the Parochial Church Council.
Remaining needs:
- Outstanding payment on new Bluthner Model 2 Grand Piano £24K (buy a note £400);
- New stacking chairs £9000 (individual chairs £150);
- Preparation of Altarpiece (Vouet's Mother and Child) £750;
- nave altar furniture £10,000 (enquire regarding individual pieces).
- Re-voicing of the organ £7500.
- Re-painting of external railings £2500
- Endowment of music £1.5m: St Mary's has one of the finest organ's in Oxford, made by Metzler of Switzerland and one of the finest mixed voice choirs. Choristers are paid for each service they sing.
- Endow organist's post: gifts of £1000.
- Endow Director music post: gifts of £1500
- endow a singer:gifts of £200
If you would like further information on any of these items or would like to discuss making a donation, please contact the church office.
how to contribute
You contribute to the Development Appeal by online giving through the Oxford University 'Oxford Thinking' campaign website ('give online), or by cheque accompanied by a Gift Aid declaration, which you can download as a printable pdf below ('by post').
