Our church life involves us in many activities and ministries. After all, doing things together is what it’s all about – and seven whole days, not just one in seven!
Here you will find brief details of some of the groups that meet regularly in Wilton Parish with contact details should you wish to get involved..
New members and ideas are always welcome, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch or to make suggestions.
Altar Servers
Our team of Altar servers (adults and young people age 8+) help our services to flow smoothly, leading the Choir and Clergy in procession, and assisting at the Altar at the Holy Communion.
We also welcome enquiries from potential new members.
Bell Ringers
The Wilton bells are rung weekly for the 10.45 Service; also at weddings and on other festive occasions. There are six bells in the ‘Campanile’, which were cast in 1998 at the Whitechapel Bell foundry. Our ringers are affiliated to the Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers.
St. Catherine’s Church, Netherhampton has three bells and these are rung before the service on the third Sunday of each month.
If you think you might be interested in learning, or returning to ringing, please do get in touch. Visiting ringers are also welcomed.
Contact: Tower Captain – Julia Williams
01722 742178
Brass Cleaners
Keeping our Brass candlesticks and crosses looking their best takes regular polishing. With 2 or 3 volunteers working together, this can be a very companionable activity!
Contact: Revd Mark Wood
rectorwilton@gmail.com
Church Guides
During the summer months (April- September) we welcome a large number of visitors to the Parish Church. Our team of Church Guides offer a few hours once a week/fortnight, to greet those who come and help them to make the most of their visit.
Flower Arrangers
Wilton Church’s dedicated team of flower arrangers put together the floral displays for most Sundays, and special displays for weddings and major events in the Church’s year.
New input is always welcomed!
Contact: Rosslyn O’Connor
01722 743256
Ground Force
We organise working parties, a few times a year, to tame excessive growth in our churchyards and keep it looking tidy and welcoming for all our visitors. If you enjoy working in a team, and would like to be involved please leave your information at the Parish Office.
Contact: Revd Mark Wood
rectorwilton@gmail.com
Mothers Union
Wilton Mothers’ Union meets on one Wednesday afternoon each month, in various locations. between 2.30 and 4pm. Members and friends are welcome to attend MU meetings and services. The core aim of the Union is to promote Christian marriage and family life through prayer, fundraising, local and international action and fellowship
Contact: Christine Matthews
parishsecretarywilton@gmail.com
Sacristans
Behind every good service is a team of good sacristans! Our team ensure that everything is ready for Sunday Eucharist and special services – keeping the Altar linens and sacred vessels clean, and setting out what I needed in advance.
Contact: Revd Mark Wood
rectorwilton@gmail.com
Technicians
Our team of young “techies” are responsible for operating the audiovisual equipment at the Parish Church. Our main Sunday services are recorded so that Church members who are unable to get to church can still connect with us.
Full training is given. Minimum age 14 years
Contact: Revd Mark Wood
rectorwilton@gmail.com
Photo: Techie’s 1212
“Young at Heart”
Our Seniors’ Group meets in the WMSET Centre (West Street) on two Friday afternoons each month from 2.30 – 4.00pm, for a variety of activities and talks.
Tea, cake and good company every time!
Non-Church members are always welcome
Contact: Revd Mark Wood
rectorwilton@gmail.com
Music
Wilton Parish Church’s worship has been supported by choral music for almost all of its 180 years – initially with men and boys and, since 1988, a mixed-voice Parish Choir – and “serious” music remains a key part of this church’s tradition. The Parish is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music.
Wilton Parish Church is also fortunate in possessing one of the finest pipe organs in the county. Originally built in 1878 by William Hill & Sons, it is a three manual and pedal instrument with 40 speaking stops.
Choir
The Parish Choir is a 4-part adult choir. Directed by the church’s Director of Music, Dr. Nigel Allison, the Choir normally leads the music at the main Sunday morning service and at special services on major festivals. The choir also gives occasional concerts and sings at weddings and other special events throughout the year. Rehearsals take place at 19.45 on Thursdays.
New members are always welcomed and training in technique and general musicianship, along with familiarisation with the liturgy can all be offered as required. If you are interested, please contact the Director of Music:
Contact: Dr Nigel Allison
nallison121@gmail.com
Schola Cantorum
The Schola Cantorum consists of singers aged 13-18 who normally sing on the first Sunday of each month (term-time only) and for special services at Christmas and Easter. A limited number of Choral Bursaries are available each year, by competitive audition.
Contact: Revd Mark Wood
rectorwilton@gmail.com
Friends of Wilton Church
This wonderful Italianate Church is more like a cathedral than a parish church. The Friends of Wilton Church exist to support this unique part of our heritage. St. Mary and St. Nicholas is a much-loved landmark and a personal part of the history of generations of those who have links with Wilton and the area.
If you would like to know more about ‘The Friends’, or might be interested in joining, please click on this link.