St Martin in the Wood

St. Martin in the Wood is a small modern church set in the wooded estate of Hiltingbury. At the east end there is a cruciform window set with 153 pieces of multi-coloured glass, while the south wall of the sanctuary consists of a large window, again with coloured glass. This gives a warm, spacious feel to the whole church as the natural light is softened and filtered by the glass.

At the other end of the building there is a large hall and kitchen, separated from the church by a set of folding doors. During weekdays these are normally kept closed so that community and social events can take place in the hall, while the church remains available for services and private prayer. On most Sundays the main services take place in the church area, the hall being used for coffee and
after-service activities. For major services the doors can be folded back, doubling the size of the nave. There is level access to the church and hall. Upstairs there is a small room which is mainly used for meetings and by prayer-groups. It contains a small library.

The hall and the kitchen can be booked for meetings and private functions through John Caldwell on 023 8026 6139

See our new History page for some interesting background information about our churches.

Who was St Martin of Tours?

St Martin (c.316–397) best known through the story of his giving up half of his cloak to a naked beggar in whom he recognised Christ. He gave up his career as an officer in the Roman army, saying 'I am Christ's soldier, I am not allowed to fight'. He became one of St Hilary's clergy at Poitiers and later Bishop of Tours. In the fight against heresy he was gentle, concerned for the truth and careful to distinguish between heresy and the heretic. Passionate for the building up and unity of the Church he was one of the first non-martyr saints to be venerated.

top