Happy Birthday Greyfriars
Greyfriars is 700 years old. To celebrate, we are throwing a party for the people of Reading on Saturday July 9th and worship service on Sunday July 10th. There will be free events for all ages, to include a Hunt the Monk competition for children in Reading town centre, a football cage, a dance workshop for 5-11 yr olds, Colour Me Beautiful sessions and much more. All are welcome to join us for a free barbecue at lunchtime Saturday (while the burgers last!). Or you could enjoy our complimentary coffee and refreshments throughout the day.
Let's celebrate
We are celebrating all that God has done in and through Greyfriars in
Reading over the past seven centuries. This is one of several events held this
year including our January church weekend, a reception for invited guests
on Friday July 8th, and a major church event in December.
This free celebration weekend is a thank-you to the people of Reading.
All of these events are free. See the
program
or visit us on Facebook for updates 
Greyfriars today
Greyfriars members are involved in serving the people of Reading in many ways:
- We volunteer as Street Pastors, caring for and helping people in central Reading late at night at the weekends.
- We have been part of a team that set up and help run the Rahab project, offering support, friendship and advocacy to anyone who has been exploited in the sex industry.
- We run the Prayer Café, offering a listening ear, cake and prayer for healing to passers by.
- We help feed the hungry, clothe the needy and rehabilitate men with drug or alcohol addictions.
- We support a wide range of local Christian charities financially.
Greyfriars then
The Greyfriars church building was completed in 1311. It was built for the Grey Friars, who were followers of St Francis of Assisi (Franciscans) and who were, named for their grey habits. Greyfriars is the most complete example of Franciscan architecture left in England and the only one still used as a church. The Franciscans preached the good news of Jesus and helped the poor and sick.
The church was in use until 1538 when Henry VIII disbanded the monasteries and the Friars were sent away. By 1613 Greyfriars had been turned into a prison, which it remained for almost 250 years. Carvings by the prisoners can still be seen on some of the pillars. When Reading Gaol opened in 1844 Greyfriars fell into even greater disrepair and was to have been demolished but thanks to the efforts of local Christians, it was consecrated as a church once more in 1863. Its current spacious and airy interior was last refurbished in 2000. Follow link for more detail on the history
Stories from Greyfriars people
Read about some of those who have worshiped at Greyfriars and how Jesus Christ has shaped their lives.
More Information
For any enquiries about the 700 anniversary celebrations
Email:
Download a copy of our flyer or read our recent press release.
