The major event for this year was the celebration of our 75^th Anniversary at All Saints’ Church, Maidstone, which is Grade 1 listed church and the largest church in Kent. As well as our own members, the large congregation included representatives from Kent churches and from Ride and Stride. A generous and resplendent presence of VIP guests included the Mayor of Maidstone and the Lord Lieutenant of Kent.

The service included lessons, hymns, music and a prayer giving thanks for the fabric of church buildings and its maintenance. Simon Mold was commissioned to write an Anthem and set of Responses for the occasion, while Roxanna Panufnik contributed an opening organ fanfare. The Ven. Peter Lock wrote a prayer to be read in the service. The blessing was given by one of our Patrons, the Rt Rev. Michael Turnbull.

An extensive set of displays was set up at the West End of the Nave and half a dozen bicycles suitably positioned acknowledged the huge financial contribution to our finances made by Ride and Stride. Cakes in the church afterwards were glorious!

The key address by our Chairman, Sir Paul Britton, outlined our history, espoused Kent churches and their importance to the community and concluded, “Our cause is a noble one . . . “.

See CHURCH VISITS and LECTURES.

About us

Kent has an extremely rich ecclesiastical heritage of more than 800 churches, chapels and meeting houses. Click to find out more About Us.

Join us

There is a wealth of history, architecture, monuments, stained glass and many other interesting features to explore in the churches of Kent. Click on Join Us to find out more about the benefits of Membership.

Grants

Our grants play a very important part in maintaining Kent’s church heritage. To find out more about the grant application process and grants we have given in the past click on Grants.

Kent churches

Kent has possibly the oldest Parish church still in use in England. We have more numerous brass collections than any other County and many outstanding monuments that in other Countries might be in museums. There are many examples of medieval stained glass but also brilliant modern glazing schemes. Click Kent Churches to find out more.

News

A collection of all our recent Visits and Lectures, Newsletters, and Annual Reports

Ride & Stride

The Friends of Kent Churches sponsored Ride & Stride event takes place on the second Saturday in September every year. It is the most important fund raising event of the year involving hundreds of cyclists and walkers and the vast majority of churches in Kent. Many Members take part or sponsor other participants. To find out more visit the Kent Ride & Stride website.