FOUR churches in Andover are set to merge to become one new parish in Andover.

On Monday, May 1, Andover St Mary, Knights Enham Parish and St Michael & All Angels West Andover will come together to become the Parish of Andover. 

The first Rector of the new parish will be Revd Chris Bradish and on Monday, May 15 at 7pm St Mary’s will host a special meeting of parishioners to elect church wardens, a new church council and celebrate the occasion.

Chris said: "It has been just over four years since we moved to serve the parish of Andover St Mary. Naomi and I have loved making Andover home, making new friends and seeing our children grow up here.

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"I am excited about the new parish. It is such an honour and privilege to serve as its first Rector and I look forward to working with all the church communities which are joining together in this new way. 

"I am proud that Andover is a town with a vision - it needs a church with vision too! I believe this new parish can be part of that.

"I am keenly aware that all four churches are important to the people of Andover. I am full of hope when I think of the role the church can play in supporting the town to create a vibrant and thriving future for itself.

"I invite everyone to come and join us and to share in the journey - we are just getting started."

Each of the four churches in the new parish is different in history, style and congregation. 

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One area in which the new parish hopes to grow is through developing The Lighthouse.  The Lighthouse was established by St Mary’s in 2020 in response to the pandemic. 

Through community engagement and with the generous support of local partners and networks, it has since become a hub of holistic support for people in Andover. It offers a range of services from debt counselling to mental health and wellbeing care.

The new parish will also benefit from a double-decker Life Bus which it will use to undertake multi-generational community and school projects in partnership with the local NHS Primary Care Network and others.