"A welcoming and friendly Christian community at the centre of the vibrant, creative and spiritual
town of Stroud"
Our Church Family
We are a church family at the very heart of Stroud in Gloucestershire whose members come from all sorts of backgrounds. We are friendly and welcoming, and we'd love you to come and join us at one of our regular services, or at one of the many events taking place at St Laurence. You can find out more here -
St Laurence: The Future
We also have great plans for the future of St Laurence, working with the wider community of Stroud to provide a building that can be developed to be used and enjoyed for generations to come. We have called this project 'St Laurence: The Future', and you can find out more about it, and how you can get involved, here -
About Stroud
Stroud is at the hub of the beautiful Five Valleys on the edge of The Cotswolds. It is a town that can be described as a ‘market town’ in the modern sense because it has been in the forefront of the recent development and growth of farmers’ markets, and has been acclaimed nationally as one of the best examples of such ventures. It draws large numbers of people from the surrounding area, as well as UK and international visitors, and anyone who patronises this weekly event is never more than a couple of hundred yards from the church.
Originally made prosperous by the woollen trade, Stroud has in more recent years become known for its individual freethinking style, its variety of green initiatives and alternative therapies and lifestyles, and a flourishing arts scene. It is continuing to gain vibrancy and energy. The parish church of St Laurence stands right in the centre of the town, and its iconic spire is a landmark that can be seen for many miles around and from all directions.
Just outside the churchyard gates, on its south side, is the shopping and trading heart of Stroud, with easy access to the pedestrianised High Street. In the opposite direction, another path leads from the churchyard through to a public park. Adjacent to the church is a public car park, conveniently situated for anyone wishing to attend any activities in the church or Church Hall.
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Who was Saint Laurence?
Laurence was one of the seven deacons of Rome who were in charge of administering the church budget, particularly with regard to the care of the poor. In 257, the emperor Valerian began a persecution of the clergy, and the prefect in Rome, knowing that Laurence was the principal financial officer, promised to set him free if he would surrender the wealth of the church. Laurence agreed, but said that it would take him three days to gather it. During those three days, he placed all the money at his disposal in the hands of trustworthy stewards, and then assembled the sick, aged, and poor, and the widows and orphans of the congregation, and presented them to the prefect, saying, "These are the treasures of the Church." The enraged prefect ordered him to be burnt alive on a gridiron. St Laurence's feast day is 10 August.
Our History
St Laurence Parish Church has a rich and interesting history. There has been a church on the site for over 700 years at least, since before the town of Stroud even existed, and many thousands of people over many generations have loved and cherished this building. You can find out more about our history here:
St Laurence Parish Church has a rich and interesting history. There has been a church on the site for over 700 years at least, since before the town of Stroud even existed, and many thousands of people over many generations have loved and cherished this building. You can find out more about our history here:
Why not have your Wedding at St Laurence, or have your child Baptised here?
Today more than a quarter of all marriages in England take place before God in the traditional setting of a Church of England church. Getting married in church is a sign to your friends, family, and most importantly to each other, that you are ready to make a public declaration of love and commitment in front of those who love you and are part of your life together, including God.
In Baptism, parents thank God for His gift of life and make a decision to start the child on the journey of faith and ask for the Church’s support. The Church of England conducts over 2,500 christenings every week of the year. Everyone is welcome to have their baby or child baptized at a Christening in their parish church and it remains a popular decision for parents.
There is lots more information, advice and guidance on Weddings and Baptisms in the Church of England available on the Diocese of Gloucester website here:
If you would like to talk to us about having your Wedding or Baptism at St Laurence, then please contact The Church Office.
Or why not hire St Laurence for your Event?
St Laurence is a building for all the people of Stroud to share, use and enjoy. We have a big, open, flexible and welcoming space that is ideal for festivals, concerts, exhibitions, corporate meetings, training events, or product launches; with seating for around 250 and staging. All this against the beautiful backdrop of an historic building right in the centre of Stroud, with ample car parking right next door (free after 1700, and on Sundays and Bank Holidays). If you would like to talk to someone about St Laurence hosting your event, then contact The Church Office.
St Laurence Church Office, The Shambles, Stroud GL5 1AP
(Open Monday-Friday 1000-1230)
Telephone: 01453 759099
Email: office@stroudcmt.plus.com
(Open Monday-Friday 1000-1230)
Telephone: 01453 759099
Email: office@stroudcmt.plus.com
