Holy Innocents

 A Remarkable Parish Church

Holy Innocents is very special. It was built for Thomas Gambier Parry, the owner of Highnam Court, as a memorial and an estate church in 1849. It has an outstanding frescoed and stencilled interior which contributes to its Grade 1 Listing; and it is recognised as one of the finest Victorian Churches in Great Britain. Of equal importance to its architectural qualities, Holy Innocents is the welcoming focus for Anglican worship for the community of Highnam itself, a village of about 2,200 people 2 ½ miles to the West of Gloucester. This Parish is part of a group of churches called a Benefice which is led by the Priest in Charge, the Reverend Heather de Gruyther.

The Highnam Benefice comprises the following parishes; Holy Innocents at Highnam, St Mary’s Church at Rudford (Rudford is also a Diocesan Retreat Centre), St. Lawrence Church at Taynton and Holy Trinity Church Tibberton. The Reverend Heather de Gruyther is assisted across the Benefice by two associate retired clergy, the Rev’d. Philippa Brunt and the Rev’d. Geoff Crago, also helping to take baptisms and funerals.

Responsibility for implementing much of the practical operation of Holy Innocents, such as helping with the services, the repair and maintenance of the building and cemetery, fundraising and outreach to the wider Parish is wholly supported by volunteers led by two Churchwardens and by a Parochial Church Council.

Our Pewsheet shows details of services throughout the Benefice.