Three churches dedicated to St. Mary Magdalen, have in turn served this part of lower Tilehurst. 

The first church, was built in Weald Rise, with an adjacent church hall on a site that is now the Norcot Nursery. This church was dedicated in 18th December 1929. 

The second church, was built on the Rodway Road site. The building was dedicated in December 1956, and today is used as the Church Hall. The raised section of the floor, now used as the stage, was originally the east end of the church. 

Following the opening of this church, the original Weald Rise building burned down in 1960, the following year the original Church Hall was also destroyed by fire.

The third church is the one you can see today. It was dedicated in 1963, with the lady chapel and vestry (seen either side of the East Window in the accompanying photograph) being added at a later date.

The East Window was given in memory of various members of the parish, this being placed on the inside of the existing clear glass window. The picture to the left shows the window from the inside, in the early morning sunlight. The window depicts the Resurrection Cross. The Crown of Thorns from Jesus' head an be seen in the bottom left-hand quarter, and the three nails used in the crucifixion can be clearly seen in the bottom right-hand quarter. The window was renovated in 1997, as the main concrete support sections were crumbling. These uprights have now been replaced by steel box sections, and the window should now remain intact for many years to come. 

Following a recent discovery, the in the Hall loft, a Stained Glass window from the first church was found.  This has subsequently been repaired to it's former glory and is currently waiting to be installed in the roof of the Lady Chapel for all to see.

Carl Feltham, is currently collating together pieces of information and photos of the history of Parish Church of St. Mary Magdalen.  If you can help,  please send an email to him, or writing to 39 Moriston Close, Reading, Berkshire RG30 2PW