1121 - 1970
12th century to 15th century
The church building has been around for nearly 900 years. First it was a chapel at the gates of Reading Abbey in 1121. Due to its position by the Abbey, trade in the area was stimulated. A large market sprung up around the church. One road leading to St Laurence’s became known as ‘Market Place’, so Market Place Square is now directly next to us.
The current tower was built in 1458 and contains several fragments of Norman work. This suggests that the 1458 tower was partially built with materials from the first tower from the Norman era.
16th century to 19th century
During the Reformation, St. Laurence was drastically altered. Murals were whitewashed and images defaced or removed in 1547. Stain glass windows were then taken out in 1549. All altars - except the High Altar and St. John’s Altar - were removed and sold.
In 1882 the tower was restored and housed bells for ringing. We still have 12 bells, which makes us the only “12 bell church” in Reading! Whilst we don’t ring the bells for services, they’re used by local bell ringers for regular practices and competitions.
20th century – up until 1970
In February 1943, during WW2, two planes dropped bombs on the town centre. 41 people lost their lives. A commemorative plaque is now on the wall of Blandy and Blandy solicitors, next to the church. Shrapnel damage to St. Laurence’s wall can still be seen today, and part of the dislodged west window now lies in the graveyard. Both planes were brought down returning to Germany, leading to the complete loss of life of all on board.
1970 - 2001
In the 1970s, the numbers of the St Laurence congregation declined. As a result, the parish was merged with that of Saint Mary's (Reading Minster). When numbers continued to fall, the Diocese decided that St. Laurence would have a new role.
Chris Russell became the vicar. He was given the mandate “to see unchurched young people come to faith and build new forms of church with them.”
2001 - Today
Chris and Belinda Russell moved to Reading with a small team in 2001. The team focused on engaging with “unchurched” young people.
One key element of creating space for this mission was the reordering of the building’s interior. During the reordering, we met at All Saints Parish Hall (off the Bath Road) and St Mary’s (Reading Minster). The reordering was finally completed in November 2004 and the church reopened for use!
We initially had a small staff structure (a youth work director, a PA to the vicar who also held the internal office management, and part-time youth workers). But our engagement with young people has been the shared mission for the whole church to muck in with. It's always humbling and moving, to see how people are so willing to give of themselves.
Whilst discerning our next steps in 2017, we decided to appoint an associate vicar. Chris Jones and his family joined us in September 2017. The blessing of his experience in management and team has helped us to find our way forwards.
In November 2020 Chris Russell joined the Archbishop of Canterbury full-time at Lambeth Palace to serve the whole church in evangelism and witness. In November 2021 Chris Jones was installed as our new vicar.
Today we continue to be faithful to our vision, as with young people we seek to love and serve Reading through activities such as the Noise project - working with our young people, and undertaking social action projects in the community.