The Order of St Mary
The Order of St Mary was established as part of Campaign 2023 to create a community of supporters committed to the long-term sustainability of the Collegiate Church of St Mary. The Order brings together individuals who share a passion for preserving this historic church, its music, its fabric, and its ministry for future generations.
Members of the Order play a vital role in ensuring that the church remains open, accessible, and thriving as both a place of worship and a cultural landmark. Their contributions directly support the ongoing tower restoration programme as well as the continuation of the church's outreach programmes, choral tradition, and heritage conservation efforts.
Membership Benefits
All members of the Order of St Mary are invited to participate in an exclusive programme of events and experiences connected to the church and its wider heritage. Benefits available to members include the opportunity to meet fellow supporters who share a commitment to preserving historic places of worship, an annual service and reception held within the church, invitations to private events at St Mary's, visits to places of national ecclesiastical and cultural interest, and a regular members' newsletter with updates on the campaign's progress.
Membership Tiers
Bronze
£500
per annum
Bronze membership provides access to the speakers programme, the Summer Garden Party and the Annual Order Service. Members may pay annually, quarterly (£125 per quarter) or monthly (£41.66 per month).
Silver
£1,000
per annum
Silver membership includes all Bronze benefits, along with invitations to meet key speakers at event receptions held in the Beauchamp Chapel. Silver members are also recognised on the campaign's donor board.
Gold
£5,000
one-off payment
Gold membership offers all the benefits of Silver, plus attendance at the Annual Dinner with the Campaign Patron. Gold members may also have a campaign chair dedicated in their name or the name of someone they wish to honour.
Gift Aid
UK taxpayers can increase the value of their subscription by 25 per cent at no additional cost through Gift Aid. This allows the campaign to claim an extra 25p for every pound donated, significantly boosting the impact of each membership contribution.
The Inaugural Service
The Order of St Mary was formally inaugurated with a ceremonial procession through the streets of Warwick, echoing a historic procession held 450 years earlier to mark a visit by Sir Robert Dudley. Town councillors, the brethren of The Lord Leycester Hospital, and members of the Warwick Court Leet wore their ceremonial robes for the occasion. The procession made its way from the historic hospital site to St Mary's, where the first members were admitted into the Order during a special service.
The service was led by the Bishop of Warwick and attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, the High Sheriff, and the Mayor of Warwick. The event demonstrated the depth of community support for the campaign and set the tone for the Order's ongoing programme of heritage events and fellowship.
Becoming a Member
Those interested in joining the Order of St Mary, or who wish to learn more about membership options, are encouraged to contact the Campaign Office. The team can provide further details about each membership tier, payment arrangements, and upcoming events.
Join the Order
Become part of a community dedicated to preserving one of Britain's most historic churches.
Contact the Campaign Office