During my industrial training (gap) year from Surrey University I lived in Weymouth and attended St Mary's Church. In December of 1979 I was given a tour of the tower and roof (after dark), which is when some of these pictures were taken. I had a lot to learn about taking photos in the dark in those days!
St Mary's, on St Mary Street, is by the local architect T. T. Bury, and dates from 1815-17.
Sadly I omitted to take an exterior view of the building, however here is a view of the interior, showing the enormous 18th century painting of the Last Supper by James Thornhill, which dominates the wall over the altar. Thornhill was a native of the town (and at one time its MP), and donated the picture to the previous church on the site.
Also in the church is some stained glass dating from the turn of the century through to the 1920s, including one by Henry Wilson (no pictures).
There is a large gallery at the rear of the church, where the organ pipes are situated. This is a very fine instrument with electro pneumatic action (the console is situated at the front of the church). I felt very privileged to be allowed to play it occasionally at the weekend (when the building was not in use!). One Saturday morning when playing a hymn at full blast I was treated to a bellow from the street demanding I "turn that bl***dy thing down!".
The exterior has a short bell tower, with a bell below a cupola supported on narrow pillars.
Here is the clock face and the workings of same.
There is an excellent Online Parish Clerk's page with register transcriptions for Weymouth parishes.
Scanned 35mm slides
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