Hartford Hundred West Group of Parishes
St Mary Bayford
Chapel of Holy Cross &
St Alban, Brickendon
St Mary the Virgin
Essendon
St Andrew’s
Little Berkhamsted
St Mary
Ponsbourne
The Benefice of Hartford Hundred (West) was established on November 1st, 1976 as a “united benefice” combining the four parishes of Bayford & Brickendon, Essendon & Woodhill, Little Berkhamsted and Ponsbourne (Newgate Street), with its centrally located Rectory in the village of Little Berkhamsted. In the years since then, the group has developed a coherence and a distinct identity whilst retaining the individuality of the separate churches.
We are part of the St. Albans Diocese within the Church of England and are united with the desire to welcome every person, young and older, into our wonderful community minded church families. We have 5 beautiful church buildings with various styles of worship, partnerships with three excellent Church of England Schools and a clear Bible based ministry.
We are committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our community. Find out more here
Weddings, Baptisms and other matters
Saturday Registration is held on the
1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month.
10.00 am to 11.30 am at Lt. Berkhamsted Church.
If you, or someone you know is interested in a wedding or baptism, or just have a question for our Rector we will be happy to see you.
All are welcome, you do not need an appointment, just turn up.
The monthly Parish Magazine contains all the church and village news from our parishes. It costs just 60p per copy or £6 for an annual subscription. Please contact Mike Wainwright at parishmag@begesford.co.uk to subscribe.
To view the current issue click here.
Platinum Jubilee Group Service
Amongst other great activities in our communities to honour Her Majesty the Queen, Hartford Hundred West Group of Churches held a significant Group Service on Pentecost Sunday morning at Essendon.
It was a sung Eucharist and Paul Minchinton, Ponsbourne organist, (out of sight in the organ chamber) skilfully played for the hymns and the Eucharist whilst Florian Mitrea accompanied the choir only items on the piano. The Group choir led by Katie Nelson, with 35 people including children from all the 5 communities, sang melodiously. In addition to the hymns, we sang the Jubilee song (Rise up and Serve) and the National Anthem. People cheered and clapped and some were moved to tears. Someone who attended the group service at Essendon said, “The choir was wonderful and the prayer that was read whilst the choir was singing was incredibly special”. There was a sense of unity and joy.
Hartford Hundred West Group of Churches is working with the St Albans Diocese to house Ukrainian families locally. Click here for more information about hosting and helping those who host or contact hartfordhundredukraine@gmail.com.
It would be wonderful if you would consider making a difference by donating to us to help with our day to day running costs and ministry. Thank you.