Parish of St Giles, Kingston
East Bridge Deanery

St Giles' parish is part of the Barham Downs Benefice, and shares a Rector with Barham, Bishopsbourne and Wymynswold.
Details of parish personnel are available on the Benefice page.

Situated about 5 miles south of the cathedral city of Canterbury to the west of the A2, Kingston is a small community of around 250 people. There is no shop or school, but a thriving pub/restaurant "The Black Robin" and an excellent village hall "The Barn".

The Barn was originally the Glebe Barn owned by the vicar in which the tithe rents (in crops etc) were stored. In the 20th century this was used extensively as a village hall, but became very dilapidated. In 2000 the building was completely renovated, using millennium fund money and now offers first rate facilities to the church, the community and wider afield. The Barn is used by many groups and organisations as well as individuals.

The church is at the centre of this community. St Giles' is a small building, with no side aisles or pillars, but can squeeze in up to 100, and access is good for wheelchair users. It was extensively refurnished in the early 20th century with good oak pews and has a stone topped altar with a pictorial frontal depicting the resurrection. There is a matching reredos, but this has now been separated from the altar, which has been moved forward to accommodate a modern westward facing approach to liturgy.

Sunday worship is a mix of sung Eucharist and very informal family services, with a strong link to the village Parent and Toddler Group. Many of the families come to the monthly family service, and we are used to young children moving about in the church.

There is a robed choir which sings twice a month here, as well as at the neighbouring church at Bishopsbourne.

To contact the Churchwardens click here or via the Rector.