Information taken from HARGRAVE - A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE.
May 2004

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As we approach the end of the 20th century, religion seems to have become less formal. Few people feel it necessary to worship together, but a great proportion believe in A God. There are many distractions now on Sundays with television, sport and other recreations which are probably responsible for an all-time low in the congregations.

St Edmund’s Church, Hargrave, which dates from Norman times is in a somewhat parlous state. The situation of the building itself, (well away from the main areas of population), does not make it easy for people, and the lack of reasonable access by car, is not ideal for worship at the end of the second Millennium.

An update for 2010 shows that renovation of the church is under way. Kevin Green from Chevington has been appointed to carry out the brick work repairs and repair the communion rail, and some patches of plaster inside. Kevin started on 15th November 2010. We now have sufficient funds to go ahead with the vital window repair and conservation work, and hope to start by April 2011, which is fantastic news!

Hargrave is now in a benefice which includes Chevington, Brockley and Whepstead. At the moment there is no Rector and because of the Church of England’s financial problems, Hargrave will become part of a benefice of six parishes, to wit, Chevington, Hargrave, Chedburgh, Depden, Rede and Hawkedon.

Through the years church attendance has fluctuated; before and during the Second World War there was a Church choir and a regular congregation of 25-30 every Sunday. The Marriage Register reveals that after the war, the trend for people to find partners in the same or neighbouring villages changed and lasses and lads began to look further afield for their spouses! In the last decade, church attendance, apart from festival services, such as Christmas, Easter, Harvest Festival and Remembrance Sunday has been very poor. Because of this, in recent years, Church of England members have greatly appreciated being able to use the Methodist Chapel, which is centrally located, comfortable and warm, for their services in the winter months. At the moment a joint Family Service with the Methodists is held, monthly, at the chapel, otherwise regular communicants attend All Saints, Chevington.

During the 19th Century a substantial North Aisle was added to the church - and one cannot help wondering whether this was built out of necessity, or whether the then Rector was anticipating better things to come. The brick church tower is Tudor and is in good condition. It houses three bells, in working order, which may be rung at the Millennium.

The Methodist Chapel in Hargrave was completed in 1926. Before that the congregation worshipped in a barn at Hollybush (Bush House). This barn was quite well appointed with a pulpit etc., but a purpose built chapel was welcomed. In 1940 the Boy’s Brigade was formed by Frank Morley and others. A Drill Hall was built at the rear of the chapel in 1949 on land given by Mr Pask who sadly died before the hall was opened by his daughter, Mrs L I Morley (Nene). The Boy’s Brigade has since thrived, with boys coming from the surrounding villages. Nowadays they come by car, but in the early days they walked or cycled.

The chapel is in good repair and a service is held every Sunday. The congregation, though small, comes from Hargrave and nearby villages. Hargrave has enjoyed a solid move towards Ecumenism, with the Methodists and Church of England members worshipping together and holding Lent meetings, which are also attended by one or two members of the Roman Catholic Church. This Ecumenical movement has happened quite naturally in Hargrave and we look forward to shared worship in the years ahead.

There are a few Roman Catholics in Hargrave and their normal place of worship is St Edmund’s Roman Catholic Church in Bury St Edmunds. There are also one or two members of the Church of England who worship regularly at the Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds.

The new Millennium presents a challege to all Christians. The ageing buildings, though sound at present, require constant attention and care. The pressures and pleasures of the 21st Century will no doubt provide a distraction, but we hope that Hargrave will go forward with new hope and vigour, and all to the Glory of God.

Update for 2010 shows that the Methodist Church has been closed for some months with the site put up for sale. The site was sold for re-development in December 2010 and a new house will be built on the site.