A remembrance service is a time to pause, remember, and honor the lives that continue to shape our community in a warm and supportive setting.
Honoring our Shared History
St Mary’s plays a prominent role in the South Canterbury community and has long been a place of collective remembrance. Our stunning Memorial Chapel of St Michael and All Angels houses a historic Roll of Honour, flags, and ensigns paying tribute to the South Canterbury servicemen who lost their lives in service.
Throughout the year, we host dedicated community commemoration services, providing a formal yet intimate environment for families, veterans, and the public to stand together in reflection. These include:
Annual Commemorative Events: Such as our Battle of Britain service and the South Canterbury Seafarers’ service.
Civic & Parish Anniversaries: Marking milestones that shaped our town, our heritage, and our people.
A Sacred Space for Quiet Reflection
Grief and memory don't end after a funeral. We provide ongoing spiritual support for individuals and families navigating the journey of loss.
The Book of Remembrance: Located within the quiet peace of our church, the names of many parishioners who have lived and served in St Mary’s are written on the dates of their passing. A page is turned faithfully every day, ensuring their memory is continuously honored.
Annual Services of Remembrance (All Souls): Every year, we hold special services dedicated to remembering loved ones who have passed away. These services offer the opportunity to light a candle, hear your loved one's name read aloud, and sit wrapped in the comforting choral music of the St Mary’s Choir.
Creating a Dedicated Service
If your family, organisation, or community group wishes to arrange a specific service of remembrance, whether to mark a significant anniversary of a loss or honor a specific group of people, our clergy are here to assist.
Our historic English Gothic Revival church offers a beautiful, light-filled nave with seating for up to 250 guests, excellent acoustics, a magnificent pipe organ, and a modern sound system to accommodate photos, slideshows, and musical tributes.
Enquiries and arrangements
If you would like to arrange a rememberance service or talk through options, please contact the Parish Office at St Mary’s Timaru. We are here to support you with care and compassion.