Great Burstead

General information

Great Burstead lies a little to the south of Billericay, but is the ancient parish from which the bustling town later grew. It is one of the earliest sites of Christian worship in Essex, since Saint Cedd erected a preaching cross here. A wooden church was built in the seventh century, but the present building dates substantially from the 12th century. It is a historic and beautiful place of worship, and is open from about 9 a.m. to dusk on most days.

Today the Church of St. Mary Magdalene serves the Parish of Great Burstead, which includes the communities of South Green, Steeple View, Noak Bridge and Crays Hill.

We are in the Liberal Catholic tradition of the Church of England, with both traditional and modern forms of worship. The 10 a.m. Sung Eucharist is according to Common Worship. A Sunday School operates during this service. 8 a.m. Mass and 6.30 pm. Evensong are according to the Book of Common Prayer, and a fully Choral Evensong is sung about six times a year.

The congregation is open and inclusive, and you will find a warm welcome at any of our services or activities. The Church plays a full part in the Deanery of Basildon, the Diocese of Chelmsford, and Churches Together in Billericay.

Our chief concerns as a Church are:

to witness to Christ
to offer inspiring worship
to nourish growth in faith
to encourage fellowship and service
to serve the local community.
You are invited to come and find out more about this thriving community and explore the Christian faith with us.

Father Michael Hall