All Saints is the parish church of High Wycombe, known informally as The Cathedral of Bucks. Every year, thousands visit this ancient building for worship, events, exhibitions and concerts – or simply to find peace.
When you visit, take time to imagine how this building has evolved over 1,000 years. Growing from a cross-shaped structure with a central tower, with brightly coloured walls adorned with frescos; through the expansion of the 16th century and the puritan washes that removed the colour and statues; the later addition of pews filling the Nave on a floor of stone tombs; and the building now, still adapting to the needs of today.
Enjoy free Monday lunchtime concerts (bring your lunch!), and on Fridays, the Small Saints tots’ group meets for play and connection. Tuesday evening Mustard Seed Club meals help those in need; and various groups meet for art and music, including the talented choir and bell-ringers – ask if you are interested in joining.
Weekly Sunday Services are at 10am, open to all, enabling those who come to explore their relationships with each other and with God. Christmas and Easter are celebrated, with an amazing Christmas Tree Festival filling the building with the decorations of schools and organisations from across our town.
All Saints recognises and celebrates the diverse communities and faiths in Wycombe, being part of the Council of Christian and Muslim Relations and enjoying the gifts our friends from St Vincent bring to the town.
Father Anthony Searle is Rector of High Wycombe and Vicar of All Saints Church, having arrived last November. He has served in churches in Bishop’s Stortford and Corby. He aims to be out in the community, building service, diversity and creativity at the heart of our town.
Wycombe Mosque in Jubilee Road was only the fourth purpose-built mosque in the UK when it was opened in 1982. It was the brainchild of a remarkable group of Wycombe Muslim elders, who had arrived from Pakistan since the 1950s, including Honorary Burgess Raja Amir Dad Khan and, later, Mohammed Chouglay.
After several years of meeting in hired premises, a huge sum was needed to construct the building on the site of two properties on Jubilee Road. Most came from the local community who gave what they could, including gold bangles that ladies took off their wrists and donated to help fund the project.
Wycombe Mosque stands proudly as testament to the determination of far-sighted community leaders and volunteers to provide a fitting venue for prayer, education, passing religious rituals from one generation to the next, social connection, and serving the local community. To this day, it hosts soup kitchens, sports and youth groups, and has a strong brotherly relationship with the church next door in Oakridge Street.