At heart, the project is about: Building Community Transforming lives Launching Out

Cherishing and building on the past Serving God’s Purposes in our Generation Investing in the Future

The Journey

Previously part of Parish of Canford Magna

Ground floor of two disused cottages at Longfleet was turned into unofficial church (fresh expressions and Low Church tendencies even then!) Some laymen were given permission by Bishop of Bristol to conduct services

1830 – April – meeting held in the George Inn
Mr Ponsonby MP stated he would provide site
Foundation stone laid 13thSept 1830

Seating for 629 in parish of c840

1833 – Wed 25thSept SML consecrated by Bishop of Bristol( NB !837 Archdeaconry of Dorset transferred to Diocese of Salisbury 25 Sept 2008 – 175thAnniversary)

1839 – Site of school, across Longfleet Rd, given by Lord Wimborne

1865- Small Chancel (in Purbeck stone)

Erected east of original building. Organ relocated there on North side. This was lengthened and vestries added in 1892

1884 – North and South Porches added at West End plus tower with steeple 108ft high ( in recognition of SML landmark location)

1914-15 – Major Rebuilding of the church. Original brick nave demolished, replaced by present stone nave which joined up chancel, tower and porches and transepts were added. Gallery at west end removed. Total cost £ 5,593

1952 – Graveyard closed except for remaining family graves

1909- Church Hall erected in Kingston Rd (facility for outreach to children/youth. Sunday school)

1974- Extension to Church Hall – known as ‘The Fellowship Centre’ (NB Not designed to be seen from Longfleet Road as Longfleet first school sited in front)

1970- Resiting of organ (South Transept) Communion Table and Choir pews. In order to bring ministry/ leading of services closer to congregation.

1989 - Beament Lounge and kitchen added

1998 (Nov)- Internal reordering. Chairs instead of pews– welcome, flexibility for usage, courses….Mission-shaped

Key point

We haven’t inherited a piece of ecclesiastical architecture preserved untouched since Saxon times. Rather, since SML’s conception, the church building itself and surrounding site have seen numerous and  many ambitious changes, as successive generations have sought to serve God’s purposes in their generation.  Facilities have been altered and expanded  to glorify God in mission-shaped outreach and ministry in the parish and for wider community, mindful too of the uniqueness of this location ‘ a city set on a hill’…..This seems to have been an ongoing mark of the Holy Spirit’s dynamic activity here, and we find ourselves, on our watch, at a significant moment within this continuum when the Lord is calling us to step out and build for His glory .

If you have been part of SML for some time you’ll be aware that we have been exploring, talking and praying (seeking the Lord’s vision) about this project for 6 + years… A steering group was first formed in 2000.