| Town Church, Guernsey | |
|---|---|
 Town Church, Guernsey | |
.svg)  Town Church, Guernsey Location in the Channel Islands | |
| 49°27′16.92″N 2°32′11.04″W / 49.4547000°N 2.5364000°W | |
| Country | Channel Islands |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | www.townchurch.net |
| History | |
| Dedication | St. Peter |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | |
Invalid designation | |
| Designated | 23 November 1970 |
| Reference no. | PB712 |
| Administration | |
| Province | Canterbury |
| Diocese | Salisbury |
| Archdeaconry | Channel Islands[1] |
| Deanery | Guernsey |
| Benefice | Guernsey |
| Clergy | |
| Rector | Revd. Penny Graysmith |
| Priest(s) | Revd. Peter Graysmith |
| Deacon(s) | Revd. Jill Mabire |
| Laity | |
| Organist/Director of music | Stephen Le Prevost |
The Town Church is also known as the "Parish Church of St Peter Port",[2] "Sancti Petri du Portu" and "Town Church of St Peter, Apostle & Martyr".[3]
The earliest known religious building on the site was in 1020 with a reference to a small rectangular chapel; however, a building probably existed in the 8th century. The current building, probably started in the 13th century was completed in its current format by 1466.
The Town Church is considered the main island church so serves both the States of Deliberation and the Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey as well as the parishioners of Saint Peter Port.
Since October 5th 2023, day she was sworn in, Penny Graysmith is now rector of the Town Church (Reverend Penny Graysmith became part of history by becoming the first woman to be appointed Vice-Dean in Guernsey, she was admitted during the evensong service on Sunday, 12 July 2020). Prior to becoming the rector, she used to be a chaplain at the Guernsey Prison.
Peter Graysmith who was Mission Priest until recently is now an Associate Priest having taken up more responsibilities as the Elizabeth College chaplain.
The deacon is the Reverend Jill Mabire and the church wardens are Ruth Abernethy (Rector's warden) and Charles Smith (People's warden).
The organist, director of music and Choir master is Stephen le Prevost who was, amongst other positions throughout his career, assistant organist at Westminster Abbey from 1991 to 2001.
- ^ "The Town Church". A Church Near You. Church of England. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
- ^ Brett, C.E.B. Buildings in the town and parish of St Peter Port. National Trust of Guernsey. pp. 24–5.
- ^ "Guernsey, Town Church". The Winchester & Portsmouth Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers.