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ST MARY THE VIRGIN IN THE COMMUNITY 

The parish of St Mary the Virgin covers area of 20.7 square miles and has a population of 1089 (1991 census). The ecclesiastical parish includes two villages; Gisburn and Rimington, and the hamlets of Paythorne, Newsholme, Horton, and Nappa, and over 60 isolated farms. The population density is low and dispersed. Within this large and disparate area St Mary’s is the only church and focal point common to all.   

Carol Service 

One of the most important village events is the annual Christmas Carol service, which always results in our church being packed to capacity. This demonstrates that the church is still seen by the whole community as the natural focal point for the celebration of important social landmarks.

The Big Walk 

On the 30th of June Members of the congregation carried a specially commissioned Oak Cross from St Mary’s Gisburn to St Andrews Gargrave. As part of a larger walk that saw the cross carried throughout Bradford Diocese to celebrate the millennium.

 

Millennium Kneeler Project  

This is an ongoing 'COMMUNITY EFFORT' to celebrate the millennium by beautifying our church even further. The whole community has enthusiastically supported this project. In particular, the support shown by those with no formal connection with the church has demonstrated a depth of feeling for the church that transcends attendance at services. CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Exhibitions and Events

Every year the Church is a regular venue for a weekend long event or exhibition; last year we held a craft weekend where members of the community displayed examples of their own craft skills. On show was an incredible range of craft skills. Events like this demonstrate that our Church is far more that a venue for religious services and should be seen as a resource for the whole community.

Clitheroe Advertiser and Times 31/8/2000

Talented craftsmen display amazing variety of goods

THE lovely, old parish church of St. Mary, at Gisburn, was the setting for an exhibition of crafts arid hobbies over the Bank Holiday weekend. An amazing variety of handicrafts, personal collections, photography and art all the work of St. Mary's parishioners had been beautifully arranged by the church's events committee and reflected the talents and interests of the scattered community. The displays were further enhanced by delightful flower arrangements. Refreshments were served to many visitors, and the proceeds from the overall event were for the on-going St. Mary's Church roof repair appeal fund. The assistant priest, the Rev. Gill Hall, expressed thanks to all who contributed items for the display or helped and supported in any way.