OVERVIEW

The new Parish of Prestwood was conceived in the 1840s to take in parts of the Hughenden and Stoke Mandeville Parishes.  Planning for the church building started in 1846, and architect Edward Lamb was commissioned to produce the design.  It was decided to build at the centre of the new Parish, between Prestwood village and Great Kingshill on the Wycombe Road.  After a few problems the cornerstone was laid in 1848.  The church was completed for worship and duly consecrated by Bishop Wilberforce of Oxford in 1849.  There have been many alterations and additions during the past 150 years, full details of which are set out in Prestwood Parish Church by Desmond Keen - copies available in the Church price £1.50.  The Chancel floor was raised in 1884, and a stone tabernacle was installed above the altar in 1945 for reservation of the Blessed Sacrament.  In the 1980s, the stone altar was moved forward so that the priest could face the congregation during most of the services.

Music has always been a strong feature of church life at Prestwood. In the 1950s there was a regular choir. We now have a talented choir, sometimes robed, that sing on special occasions and at some Sunday services.  Good music needs a good organ and organist. Prestwood has always been blessed with both, and currently has an excellent group of organists. Organs used in the church were of the traditional type until 1969, when a rebuilt Compton theatre organ was installed. This was subsequently replaced by a 21st century technology Allen digital computer organ.

The first priest-in-charge of Holy Trinity was Thomas Evetts, followed by a succession of priests.  In 1993 the parish became part of the Misbourne Valley Group Ministry, and at the same time Great Hampden was linked with Prestwood.  Our most recent priest-in-charge was Mark Mowforth, but currently we are in an interregnum.

Prestwood Church welcomes you.  Come and visit us, view the beautifully maintained building designed by Lamb, feel the warmth of a cared for Church, and be at peace in the quiet atmosphere of a place of God.
 

© 2004 Holy Trinity Church, Prestwood, Buckinghamshire.  All rights reserved.