St Michael and All Angels began its ministry in 1898 as a church to serve the English- speaking population of the rapidly growing community of Maesteg. For more than a hundred years it has borne Christian witness to our town and its people through times of great social and economic change.

 

Planned as a church with tower in traditional ecclesiastical style, its tower was not erected until 1958, complete with a ring of eight bells set to be chimed. The first impression on entering is one of space and light. The church is decorated but not ornate though it has some interesting stained glass, in particular the East window which is a fine example of a pictorial parable, and a modern Nativity window by the artist, John Petts.

St Michael’s style of worship might best be described as traditional but flexible and ready to innovate and experiment with new ideas, including the use of technology and the streaming of services during the COVID pandemic. There is, too, a small but enthusiastic and energetic Sunday School which regularly makes its contribution to Morning Services. 

 

The church has a fine musical tradition and is justifiably proud of the excellence of its choir which accompanies the Sung Eucharist and Morning Prayer and elevates the processional services with which we celebrate Holy Days and the great Festivals. But St Michael’s is hospitable: the acoustic is good, and the church is of sufficient size to host concerts and recitals by outside choirs and societies which are much enjoyed by our townspeople.

An additional benefit to the church and to the community of Maesteg came in 1992 with the dedication of the new Crypt and its well-equipped kitchen and office facilities, The Crypt has proved an invaluable resource both to church and town, providing comfortable accommodation for a variety of activities, social, cultural, spiritual, and educational and is a popular venue for many local groups and societies.