Our Mission - Welcome to the Minster Church of Sts Thomas, Newport

The Minster Church of Sts Thomas, Newport, is a welcoming and inclusive church that seeks to serve the Parish, Town and Island Community by:

encouraging all in faith
sharing the Gospel with all
inspiring worship and prayer
extending the hand of friendship
nurturing children and young people

Remembrance Day in St Thomas Square outside the Minster (Photo Credit: Dean Rayner)

The Minster Church of Sts Thomas, Newport, is a welcoming and inclusive church that seeks to serve the Parish, Town and Island Community by:

encouraging all in faith
sharing the Gospel with all
inspiring worship and prayer
extending the hand of friendship
nurturing children and young people

What we do

The Minster is the principal church of the Isle of Wight, a Grade 1 listed building, and is a focus for both church and community from all parts of the Island.

It is a venue for major church festivals in place of our Diocesan Cathedral, sometimes too distant in Portsmouth, and recognises the distinctive nature of the Island community.

As a place of worship we host Island civic and major services and offer a quiet place for reflection and prayer
As a place of historic interest we welcome thousands of visitors each year
As a community hub we host a number of activties for all ages and backgrounds, offering a safe and welcoming space for all

Our community

As a community venue we have been privileged to host the Bach Choir, Courtney Pine, International Staff Band of the Salvation Army and other international artists alongside the Island’s own good talent. Exhibitions range from embroidery to paintings to wartime events.
As a place of learning we have hosted lectures on many subjects and amongst our speakers has been Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe, a vice patron of our appeal.
As a place of worship and local history that attracts schools, uniformed organisations and those interested in both the medieval heritage and the Victorian links centred on the burial site of Princess Elizabeth.

Among all of this the Minster is the town-centre church of the County Town of the Island, seeking to serve the local community and sharing in faith with the other churches of the town.

We hope that you will want to visit the Minster and discover this treasure for yourself.

Find out more about hiring the Minster

Find out how to support the Minster

Find out more about hiring the Parish Centre

A place of pilgrimage and prayer

Open daily, every morning the Minster attracts a wide range of people who need quiet, to light a candle, to pray or seek help. Through out the year people return again and again to a special place at the very heart of the Island.

Social Media

Being in touch with a wide range of people and organisations gives the Minster an opportunity to serve God and his people in different ways. Our daily posts feature prayer, video and thoughts for the day. We link into the national church as well as local events and circumstance.

You can find us:

Future Vision

Our ministry with young people is under active review. We already house young people in our almshouses and now look to extend our housing provision.

Teenagers tell us that they long for a safe space in Newport on an evening. We are starting consultations and hope to open the Minster on a Friday evening as a safe space simply to be – far from alcohol, drugs and the need to spend money and safe from unwanted pressure but with friends.