St. Peter's Church
St Peter's Church is a traditional Anglican parish church in the Fairfield district of Buxton.
About St. Peter's Church, Fairfield
The Bells
St. Peters in Fairfield originally had 6 bells which were installed in 1867. In 1949 an additional 2 bells were added bringing it to the present day total of 8. The team of ringers practise every Friday at 7.30pm and ring for the Sunday service at 9.30, as well as performing for weddings and special occasions.
6 of the bells bear the following inscriptions:
Bell 1 – 'The Ringer Bell 1949'
Bell 2 – 'William Smith Scoutmaster 1947'
Bell 5 – 'Prosperity to our benefactors'
Bell 6 – 'William Baker Churchwarden'
Bell 7 – 'Charles Smith incumbent 1867'
Bell 8, The tenor bell – 'This peal of bells was procured chiefly by the exertions of Matilda Wainright and Jane Flint'
The tenor bell weighs 12 cwt!
Stained Glass Windows in St. Peter's Church, Fairfield
St. Peters has 7 ornate and beautiful stained glass windows which date from 1861 to 2000.
The millennium was commemorated by the installation of a new window in the North Transept. The individual panes of glass in this window were bought through public subscription in memory of loved ones. It depicts the stream of living waters, the Holy Spirit, and incorporates the symbols alpha and omega.
The oldest pane (1861), which is in the South Nave, depicts Faith, Hope and Charity.
The East Window is the largest and most elaborate in St. Peter's and was installed in 1920 to commemorate 72 Fairfield parishioners who lost their lives in the Great War of 1914 – 1918.
St. Peter's Church, Fairfield – a brief history
Fairfield has had its own Chapel since 1260 when it became a parish in its own right. Before this time Fairfield belonged to the parish of Hope but because of the 'peril to their bodies' that the residents of Fairfield faced when travelling the long distance to church in the winter, a new chapel was created for their own use. So began a long process which saw Fairfield eventually gain full parochial rights in 1852.
The present church of St. Peter's was built in 1839 and has gone through several stages of enlargement and improvement. In the late 19th century, transepts were added, along with a chancel, an organ chamber and new south door porch. The early 20th century saw the building of an extension that was consecrated in 1902.
Of note is the painting of a cherub that was discovered during the building of the extension. It was found in the concealed parts of the original ceiling and is believed to be part of a medieval Madonna scene that was concealed during the persecution under Queen Mary (1553 – 1558). It can be seen in St. Peter's today.
Ongoing repair and improvement are constant, with the latest being repair to the tower roof and the wiring in 2003.
Services in St. Peter's Church, Fairfield
Services are held every Sunday, usually at 8am for Holy Communion, 10am for Sung Eucharist, and 6pm for Evening Prayer which is often joined by, or held at Fairfield Methodist Church. Everyone is welcome to join in the services with guides and all hymn books being provided. You will also receive a service sheet and a link sheet which will detail all the readings, prayers and music.
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