St Margaret, Blackwood
Service times
Time of Sunday service: 9:30 am
Time of midweek service: Wednesday 10 am
Main contact person: Father Mark Owen
About
St Margaret’s Church: A Cornerstone of Blackwood’s Community
St Margaret’s Church sits at the northern end of Blackwood’s busy High Street. The beautiful sandstone church has been serving the former mining community in the Sirhowy Valley for nearly 150 years.
Our Rich History
The church was built in stages, beginning life as a chapel of ease dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch. As Blackwood grew during the industrial revolution, St Margaret’s provided a place of worship for those who couldn’t make the journey to St Sannan’s in Bedwellty.
The original nave and south porch were completed in 1875-76, with the lower chancel and its distinctive canted apse added in 1890-91, alongside a south vestry and organ chamber. The choir vestry is a more recent addition, dating from 1960.
St Margaret’s was designed by the architects Bowes A. Paice and Maurice Adams, who designed other churches including St Peter’s in London’s St Katherine’s Dock and Wapping. Inside, you’ll find a beautiful scissor-braced roof in the nave. Today the décor, is more modest than the original salmon red walls with Persian red dado.
Musical Excellence
St Margaret’s is proud of the magnificent Nicholson & Co mechanical pipe organ. This wonderful instrument was gifted to the church through the generous legacy of Mr George James, a former organist. Designed in consultation with Frank Bradbeer, it was inaugurated in November 1994 and continues to fill the church with glorious sounds.
Serving Our Community Today
St Margaret’s remains at the heart of Blackwood life through regular services, community and charity events, and partnerships with local organisations to extend reach. We have strong links with the local Methodist church and an active social life. The hall is well-used by Mother’s Union, Brownies, a club for older people and a community choir amongst others. We’re committed to supporting our community just as we have done for generations.
Sources:
Blackwood Wikipedia: Blackwood – Wikipedia
Church in Wales Heritage Record: St Margaret, Blackwood – CHC Church
Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales: St Margaret’s Church, Blackwood | Coflein
St Margaret’s Church Organ: Blackwood, Caerphilly – Nicholson & Co. Ltd
Gallery
Directions
Accessibility
- Is car parking available? : Small car park
- Is a hearing loop available? : Yes
- Is there a toilet available? : Yes
- Is there a disabled toilet available? : Yes
- Is flat access for wheelchairs available? : Yes
- Do steps have handrails available? : N/A
- Is a baby changing area available? : N/A
Today’s Islwyn Ministry Area inherits a thousand years and more of Christian history. For centuries we have carried on the work of God, teaching his Word and values, offering prayer, respite, and hope through our mission and ministry. Our churches may be ancient centres of worship but they remain 21st century resources for our communities.
