St Peters - Church History

St Peter's is Dorchester's historic town-centre church (access). The present building dates back to 1454 and has associations with the writers Thomas Hardy and William Barnes, and historical figures such Denzil, Lord Holles, the Earl of Shaftesbury and John White, 'the founder of Massachusetts'.

St Peters - Sunday Services

IMPORTANT - The usual Sunday services are as follows. However, particularly at the time of the major festivals, please make sure to check the service times which are listed in Pews News.

The main Sunday service is at 10.30am. This is usually Parish Communion using the Common Worship book, with hymns and settings sung by a lively choir, followed by tea or coffee in the Church Hall. There is a Sunday School in the Hall and a carpeted area at the back of the church with soft toys provided for small children. For next Sunday's services see Pews News.

For lovers of the traditional 1662 Book of Common Prayer, there is a well-attended service of Holy Communion at 9.00am and Evensong with a choir every Sunday at 6:30.

St Peters - Weekday Services

There is a Holy Communion service at 10.00am every Thursday followed by coffee in the hall.

St Peters - Church Access

On Sundays you should be able to find a space in the surrounding streets (North Square, High East Street, High West Street or Trinity Street) or at County Hall. At other times use the nearby town-centre car parks.

Disabled access.
Set down and pick up in the lay-by outside, in front of the County Museum. There are wheelchair ramps available at services and other events. Contact a churchwarden for help.

St Peters - Church Groups

Choir. Practice at 7.15 pm Fridays. Vacancies for all voices. Contact the Choirmaster, or the Vicar

Bellringers. A ring of eight bells, tenor 21 cwt in E flat. Practice Mondays 7.30-9.00pm. Visitors, experienced ringers and those wishing to learn welcome. Good social group. Tower Captain Nigel Culliford. Tower bookings Felicity Morgan.

Mothers' Union
St Peter's Ladies Group. Meetings alternate Tuesdays 7.30pm
St Peter's Mothers' Union. Meetings alternate Tuesdays 2.30pm
Dorcas Mothers' Union. Evening Meetings
For details of forthcoming meetings see Pews News

Whist Drive
Every Monday 7.15pm in the hall

Prayer Groups
A prayer group meets at 10.30am every Friday in the church. If you have someone or something you would like them to pray for, you can write your request in a book in the Hardye Chapel. 

On Thursdays at St Peter's there is morning prayer at 8:15 am, very short midday prayer at noon, and evening prayer at 5 pm.

Children's and youth groups
see Benefice Groups

Boys' Brigade Tony Day.

St Peters - Sunday School

The Sunday School meets in the church hall at 10.30am during the Parish Communion services. [More details to follow] Details from Janet Cooper.