A Message from +Debbie, Bishop of Peterborough
October 2026
I am very sorry not to be with you in person as you gather to celebrate this wonderful milestone in the life of St Mary's, Warmington. Please know that I am joining you in spirit and giving thanks with you as you mark 150 years since the reopening of this beautiful church.
Anniversaries like this invite us to pause, to look back with gratitude, and to remember those whose faith, courage and determination have shaped the communities we inherit today. As I have been reading something of the story of the restoration of St Mary's in 1876, I have been struck by the commitment of Revd James Raper Hoare and his wife, Octavia. Their vision, perseverance and hard work enabled others to believe that renewal was possible. Together with many others, they helped ensure that this church would continue to stand at the heart of Warmington for generations to come.
I am particularly moved that alongside the recognition given to the vicar's efforts, Octavia's "zeal and energy" were also acknowledged. So often, the life of a church is sustained by people whose faithful service may not always attract attention, yet whose contribution is invaluable. Through every generation, God has worked through such people, and we give thanks for them today.
When Bishop Magee came to preach at the reopening service, he was speaking into a moment of great thanksgiving and hope. One hundred and fifty years later, we share that same sense of gratitude. We rejoice that St Mary's continues to be a place where people encounter God's love, where prayer is offered, where community is nurtured, and where the story of Christ continues to be proclaimed.
As we celebrate this anniversary, we also look ahead. The church is not simply a monument to the faith of previous generations. It is a living community, called to serve Christ in the present and entrusted with the task of passing on the faith to those who come after us. My prayer is that the same spirit of faith, generosity and hope that inspired the restoration of St Mary's 150 years ago will continue to inspire and guide its people in the years to come.
Thank you for all that you do to sustain the life and witness of this church. May God bless you richly as you celebrate together, and may St Mary's continue to flourish as a place of welcome, worship and hope at the heart of Warmington.
With my prayers and every blessing,
+Debbie
Bishop of Peterborough