We are a church in the modern, liberal catholic tradition. All are welcome.
The usual service times at St Hilary are Sundays at 9.30am (Sung Eucharist) and Wednesdays at 10:00am (Said Eucharist). Please see the website Calendar page for any variations.
St Hilary Church is open every day from approximately 10.00am – 4.00pm
Address: Saint Hilary Churchtown, Penzance. TR20 9DQ
Take a virtual tour of St Hilary Church by watching the short film below. Then come and visit us!
The church tower and spire date back to the 13th century, while the nave and chancel were rebuilt in Victorian times after a major fire. Although now in the modern liberal catholic tradition, the church has a special place in the story of the Anglo-Catholic movement in Cornwall. Fr. Bernard Walke and St. Hilary will always be linked. Fr Bernard’s story is told in his book Twenty Years at St. Hilary. In the 1920s, history was made when his play, Bethlehem, performed by parishioners, was broadcast by the BBC. It was the first outside broadcast from Cornwall. The church, through Bernard Walke, has strong links with the Newlyn School of artists, his wife having been a member of that circle. Much of the present interior beauty is due to that association. A slideshow gallery of photographs (taken by Sara Procter) of some of the artwork is shown below:
The gallery can be viewed in more detail by clicking here.
The church was re-roofed and re-decorated in 2003-4 and its works of art restored to their former glory. The building is generally open during the day and visitors are welcome also at our Services, especially at the 9.30am Sunday Sung Eucharist and the 10.00am Wednesday Said Eucharist, both of which are followed by coffee.
The Old School Room and Heritage Centre are next to the church. The Heritage Centre tells the fascinating story of St Hilary with its historic links to St Michael’s Mount. It has a rich and celebrated history from pre-historic times to the present day. The Church has unique links with West Cornwall’s literary and artistic heritage particularly the Newlyn Artists. The Procters, Harveys, Knights, Garstins and Walkes were all involved in the unique scheme of decoration of the church which has led to its Grade 1 listing. Open from May to end of September on Wednesdays and Fridays 11.00 am to 4.00 pm (refreshments available on Wednesdays).
The Old School Room is available for hire. Please contact Jenny Dunstan on 01736 762601.
