Joy that Ipswich town centre parish church will be a Minster

On Thursday, the Church of England in Suffolk announced that the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, the Rt Revd Martin Seeley, had decided to designate St Mary Le Tower as a minster.

News that the Bishop has designated St Mary Le Tower as a minster has been widely welcomed (Image: Keith Mindham)

This followed a request from civic leaders and months of wide-ranging consultation to assess whether St Mary le Tower should receive the designation, which is rarely granted.  

The honorific title is bestowed on only 31 other churches in the UK and is granted to churches within a town centre which also play a key civic role.

His Honour Judge Martyn Levett DL was one of many who was delighted by the news, particularly following the joy of Ipswich Town's promotion to the Premier League last weekend. 

Judge Martyn Levett says the only way is up now for the town (Image: Supplied)

"It is not widely known that St Mary Le Tower is the Parish Church for Ipswich Town," he said.

"It is Ascension Day on Thursday and with Levelling Up and  ITFC promoted to the Premier Division everything is upwards and aspirational. By designating St Mary Le Tower as a Minster will be a recognition of inspiring regeneration and spirituality."

Professor Helen Langton says the Minster will be good for students (Image: Contributed)

Another thumbs up came from Professor Helen Langton Vice-Chancellor and CEO University of Suffolk.

She said: “I am delighted to support the designation of St Mary-Le-Tower as a Minster. 

“This is an important moment, signalling further ambition and aspiration for our town and its community. 

“As Ipswich continues to transform, there will be more opportunities for university students not only to study but also to access the rich spiritual, cultural, arts and heritage offering.

Terry Baxter is thrilled for Ipswich (Image: Archant)
Terry Baxter, BID Chair of Ipswich Central, also welcomed the news.

“The church is currently recognised as the civic focal point for many in the town centre and plays such an important role in engaging with the people of Ipswich,”  he said. 

Suffolk Chief Constable Rachel Kearton felt the move would be good for everyone. 

"This is wonderful news for St Mary Le Tower and the wider communities of Ipswich more generally," she said. 

“I look forward to Suffolk police continuing to work alongside the church and other community groups and businesses, to support the area and those that live in, work and visit our wonderful county."

John Dugmore says it will be good for bringing diverse communities together (Image: Archant)

And finally, John Dugmore, chief executive of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, felt the move would be good for Ipswich businesses.

“Every element of Suffolk’s civil and public society has its own unique role in contributing to a positive future narrative for Ipswich and Suffolk as a whole," he said.  

“That is why, Suffolk Chamber, as the voice of business in the county, welcomes the decision to accord St Mary le Tower Minister status. 

“The church is already an iconic part of Ipswich’s skyline and a focal point for life in Ipswich. 

“Being a Minister would give it an even more important role in providing opportunities and spaces for bringing together the county town’s incredibly diverse communities – whose blended attributes and insights will underpin our shared prospects for even greater cohesion and shared, sustainable prosperity.”