Across the Diocese, there are many wonderful stories about how legacy gifts have been used to support aspects of the church life that past parishioners have enjoyed.
What has been joyful to hear is that everyone has had something to give and every gift has been gratefully received and carefully spent.
You do not need to leave hundreds of thousands, you can leave hundreds or thousands, the world is better because you lived and supporting your church and it’s future enables the church to continue supporting their mission which you supported whilst living.
Here are some stories from across the Diocese about gifts received.
Legacy Stories from around the Diocese
St Leonard’s, Streatham - Gift of Music
“I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.” Psalm 13:6
Mimi loved the music in St Leonard’s Streatham. When she passed away she left an incredibly generous unrestricted gift of £20,000. Those who knew her remember her deep love for the church, its people, and the joy she found in worship. Her legacy reflected that same spirit of warmth and encouragement.
Because her gift was unrestricted, the PCC had the freedom to put it exactly where Mimi’s heart would have been—towards a missional project they had long dreamed of expanding: music.
With her legacy gift, St Leonard’s was finally able to appoint a Director of Music, opening their doors to a flourishing new chapter in the church’s life. An adults’ choir soon grew in number and diversity, enriching worship Sunday by Sunday. Not long after, a children’s choir was formed, now with more than 20 enthusiastic young singers practising each week and offering their voices in a monthly service.
Mimi’s legacy hasn’t just funded a project; it has nurtured community, joy, and faith. Her gift continues to inspire new generations, filling the church with music she would have loved. Her generosity truly lives on in every note sung.
St Margaret’s, Putney - New Parish Centre
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” Acts 20:24
The Worth Project at St Margaret’s, Putney is a development allowed for a new parish centre and much needed building work to take place. Thanks to the legacy of long‑standing parishioner Elizabeth Worth her generous gift made it possible to create a brand‑new parish centre, now fittingly named “The Worth Parish Centre”, a space that serves children, families, community groups, and worshippers and will continue to do so for generations to come.
Her legacy is a powerful reminder of how transformative a gift in a Will can be. Legacy giving isn’t only for the few or for those able to give large amounts; it is an act of faith and hope available to everyone. No matter its size each gift helps sustain and grow the church’s mission, providing opportunities and helping shape the life of the church and the wider community in extraordinary ways. Elizabeth’s generosity has left a lasting imprint on the community she loved and demonstrates how one thoughtful act can continue to nurture and bless countless lives long into the future.
Holy Cross, Motspur Park - Garden of Remembrance
“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins, and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called repairer of broken walls, restorer of streets with dwellings.” Isaiah 58:12
A £40,000 legacy from Charles Constantine enabled Holy Cross, Motspur Park to renew its church path and Garden of Remembrance, transforming them into spaces that are truly accessible and welcoming for everyone. Today, a plaque bearing Charles’s name stands quietly among the pathways and flowers, a gentle reminder of how one person’s generosity can bless an entire community.
His legacy is more than a practical improvement; it’s an expression of faith. As disciples of Christ, we are called to love, serve, and build up the Church so that others may encounter God’s grace. Leaving a gift in our Will is one way we can continue that ministry beyond our lifetime.
Whether large or small, every legacy helps the church remain a place of hope, comfort, and belonging for future generations. Like Charles, each of us has the opportunity to leave something meaningful behind—something that reflects our gratitude to God and our love for the communities that have shaped us.
Holy Cross, Motspur Park - Sheila's Lighting
“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” Matthew 5:15
A £27,000 legacy helped transform the lighting at Holy Cross, Motspur Park. A gift now affectionately known by the congregation as “Sheila’s Lighting.” It stands as a shining reminder—quite literally—of how one person’s generosity can continue to brighten the life of a church long after they are gone. Sheila’s thoughtful legacy has made worship more welcoming, enhanced the beauty of the building, and ensured that future generations can enjoy a space filled with light and warmth.
Legacy gifts are not simply donations; they have a unique power expressing hope, gratitude, and faith. When someone chooses to remember their church in their Will, they are making a commitment to the ongoing life of the church and the community it serves. Legacy giving helps safeguard ministry, maintain cherished spaces, and support projects that otherwise might never be possible.
At Holy Cross, every legacy, large or small, is treasured. Each one is carefully recorded in their Book of Remembrance, where both the gift and the giver are honoured. A lasting tribute to the love and generosity of those who have chosen to leave something of themselves behind, ensuring their light continues to shine in the life of our church.
All Saints, New Eltham - Robe Restoring
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” 1 Peter 4:10
A generous gift to All Saints, New Eltham from a faithful server the late Steve Tracey, has helped restore the server robes. Steve spent his life assisting clergy during worship services. Leaving a modest £500 legacy, demonstrated the importance of his church and his service. All Saints wanted this legacy gift to have a deeply meaningful and lasting impact, and decided to use it to care for the ministry that was so close to his heart.
Steve’s gift is a reminder that legacy giving is not about the size of the amount, but the love and intention behind it. Even the smallest legacy can revive something worn, support a ministry in need, or enrich the worshipping life of a church in ways that resonate for years to come.
When someone chooses to leave a gift, however small, they become part of the ongoing story of their church. Steve’s thoughtful generosity continues to enhance worship week by week—proof that every gift truly does make a difference.
St Luke’s, Downham - Community Front Room
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrew 10:24
Jim joined St Luke’s Downham in 2018 after his wife died. He started attending our community drop-in space “The Front Room”, before joining the Sunday congregation. From the beginning Jim showed deep generosity; despite not having a great deal of material wealth, he would bring CDs and DVD’s to play, items to sell at the jumble sale, and importantly help out with practical tasks around the church.
Jim became one of our most reliable church members, he would attend everything and always help move chairs, tables and other furniture. He enjoyed welcoming people, give out hymn books and leaflets, and often joked he attended church more than the vicar! In 2020 when we went into lockdown Jim used to check in with the vicar calling him to ask how he was coping: “Morning vicar, it’s Jim, just calling to check are you okay? I’m doing well. Bye.” A ray of sunshine and showed his consideration and gratitude for everything we all did in the parish.
Sadly Jim died in early 2021 and his loss was felt deeply at St Luke’s. However his generosity continued. After his passing we received a legacy of £200 from Jim; this money went towards buying AV equipment so members of our community groups could continue to enjoy watching films and listening to music. We were also left a collection of DVDs and CDs, which are still played today and we feel him still with us. Importantly, and a testament to his helpfulness, Jim left his tools to the church, which we continue to use to repair and maintain the fabric of our church. Although all small in material terms his generosity left a legacy where we can continue to feel Jim’s warmth and presence in the community who initially welcomed him.
