Built in 1868, Leyburn Parish Church remained as a daughter church to the parish of Wensley until 1956. It is the only church built by the architect Christopher George Wray who also designed the Docks Offices, now the Maritime Museum, in Hull and the Cairo Hotel in Cairo.
The church is light with a peaceful and prayerful atmosphere which is reflected in the simplicity of the building.
We have a small and elderly congregation but the church seeks to be active in the town as well as supporting the local schools, police, medical centre and farmers as well as residents, businesses and visitors
There is an area for quiet contemplation and prayer in the small Lady Chapel. If you would like to leave a prayer request in the Prayer Box then please feel free to do so. Prayer requests will be used as part of our Morning and Evening Prayer time.
You are assured of a warm welcome at our services whether you are joining us in person for Sunday Worship or our mid-week Communion or joining us online for Morning or Evening Prayer. Our Sunday services are live-streamed on YouTube so they can be watched at a time to suit you.
We aim to enable as many people as possible to worship in our church and to become part of our church family whether in-person or online.
Wheelchair Access
From the accessible car park, there is a smooth route to the level access entrance, with an 800mm wide doorway (call bell available), which restricts internally to 770mm. There is an accessible toilet inside with grab rails and baby changing, but otherwise, there is a Changing Places facility behind The Golden Lion pub in the main market square. Inside the church there is good wheelchair circulation space with areas for wheelchair seating behind the fixed pews and right at the front.
Robert Thompson's 'Mouseman' Crafts
St. Matthew's Church features artist Robert Thompson's wooden mice carvings which can be found hidden amongst the wooden structures of the building. This is a great activity to try and find them all using the 'St. Matthew's Church Mouse Trail', which is also a tactile opportunity benefitting visitors with sight loss.
Community
St. Matthew's Church is a lovely space to connect with the community, your spirituality, or to take a few moments of quiet reflection. There are many events hosted here which bring people closer together. For example, every Sunday there is a holy communion in the morning and an evening prayer at 5pm. Tuesday has an evening prayer at 5pm, Wednesday at 10am is holy communion, and on Friday at 5pm. The coffee morning on the first Saturday of the month is £2 for home-made cakes which are on sale in aid of the Church roof repair fund. There are also parent and baby events often hosted for local and visiting families. The food and hygiene bank is open for donations and available for those in times of need; the Church is here to support you.
Autism Friendly
The Church grounds are very peaceful with open spaces and bench seating surrounded by grass, trees and seasonal planting. The Church interior is also very peaceful, with a calming atmosphere and is a comfortable place to reflect, or pray, whatever your belief may be. There are also some toys available.
Are large print hymm books available?
Yes. Large print hymm books are available. Please ask a member of staff.
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