Angels: Churches have an angelic function. They are to be places of encounter with God. All Saints’ Church in Belhus Park stands as a testament to this. It is a beacon of faith for its community.
All Saints’ Church serves the Parish of Belhus Park. This parish covers the area of South Ockendon west of the Fenchurch St. Railway Line. Built in 1953, the church served families coming to the newly built GLC Belhus Park housing estate.
Initially, All Saints’ was a sister church to St. Michael’s Parish Church Aveley. All Saints’ was built within that parish. The original design served as both a place of worship and a community hall.
As the estate’s population grew, All Saints’ became a separate parish in 1958. A Church Hall was added later. The original building became dedicated solely to worship. The tower was added during its consecration in 1970.
The 1950s architecture gives All Saints’ an open and modern feel. Regular worshippers and visitors enjoy its light and clean design. In 2013, All Saints’ joined St. Nicholas South Ockendon, St. Michael’s Aveley, and St. Stephen’s Purfleet. They formed The Mardyke Team Ministry. Rev. Tara Frankland became the Team Rector.
All Saints’ continues to be a home for a friendly worshipping community. Generations of families have found solace and community here. The church and its congregation are at the heart of the parish they serve.
All Saints’ offers Sunday and Thursday morning services. Sunday services include a 9.45 am Parish Eucharist. The first Sunday features a 9.45 am Family Service. The fifth Sunday has a United Service with St. Nicholas. Weekday services include a 9.30 am Said Eucharist on Thursdays.
The church is committed to safeguarding children, young people, victims of domestic abuse, and vulnerable adults. The PCC has adopted the Church of England’s safeguarding policies.
Various events and activities take place at All Saints’. These include a Foodbank. A Craft Group meets every Tuesday.
The people of All Saints’ extend a warm invitation. They welcome you to join their worship. They are open to inquiries about weddings and baptisms. Hall hire is also available.
All Saints’ embodies the angelic function of churches. It serves as a messenger of God’s presence and love. It defends the people of God and supports the poor and needy. It stands as a reminder that the church is not just a building. It is a living body of individuals. They are called to bear witness to the presence of God in their own lives. They let the light of Christ shine within them.