History III

The Church Today

The area covered by St. Michael's was made a parish in its own right in the early 20th century, St. Michael's having previously been a mere chapel of ease. Following the closure and deconsecration of St. Stephens Church in Montpelier Place and another local church, All Saints Church in Compton Avenue, Seven Dials, their parishes were absorbed into that of St. Michael's; it now covers an area bounded (approximately) by Brighton railway station, to St. Annes Well Gardens, and from parts of Western Road to Addison Road and Seven Dials. Services have always been in the ritualist tradition, reflecting Anglo-Catholic views and doctrine. This caused some controversy in the church's early years.

Services consist of a daily said Mass at various times, a Sunday Sung Mass at 10.30am. A priest is available for Confession and spiritual guidance after any Mass and at other times by appoitment. In the parish hall, there are Saturday breakfast meetings, a parent and toddler group, dance groups, choir practices and various other activities.

Concerts are regularly held in the church; it is a regular venue for events under the aegis of the Brighton Festival Fringe, England's largest arts festival and also the Clifton Montpelier Powis Community Affiliation (CMPCA) summer arts festival.