American International Church facts for kids

Quick facts for kids American International Church
Whitefield Memorial Church, home of the American International Church
Denomination	United Reformed Church
Website	amchurch.co.uk
Architecture
Years built	1756, rebuilt 1957

The American International Church is a special church in London. It is located at the Whitefield Memorial Church on Tottenham Court Road. This church was first created for Americans living in London. It follows the American style of church traditions.

The church was first called the American Church in London. But in 2013, its name changed. It became the American International Church because it welcomes people from about 30 different countries. This church is also well-known for its soup kitchen. The soup kitchen helps feed around 70 people every day.

History of Whitefield Memorial Church

The Whitefield Memorial Church building has a long history. The very first chapel on this spot was built in 1756. It was made for a famous preacher named George Whitefield. The chapel was made bigger in 1759 because it was so popular.

Early Days of the Chapel

The original chapel was on the west side of Tottenham Court Road. Back then, this area had many fields and gardens. George Whitefield himself laid the first stone for the chapel in June 1756. It officially opened for services on November 7 of the same year.

Because so many people wanted to attend, plans were quickly made to enlarge it. This expansion happened in 1759. A special underground room, called a vault, was also built beneath the chapel. Whitefield hoped to be buried there with his wife, Elizabeth, and the two Wesley brothers. However, he passed away and was buried in Newburyport, Massachusetts, instead.

Changes Over the Years

In 1890, the old building was taken down. A new one was built in its place, called Whitefield's Central Mission. In 1895, some coffins that were buried in the crypt were moved. This included Elizabeth Whitefield's coffin. They were moved to Chingford Mount Cemetery in north London.

From 1903 until 1914, a minister named Silvester Horne led the church. He was the father of a well-known broadcaster named Kenneth Horne.

Destruction and Rebuilding

During World War II, the church building was sadly destroyed. This happened on Palm Sunday in 1945. It was hit by the very last V-2 rocket that fell on London.

A new chapel was built in 1957. The land around it became a public pathway for people to use.

New Home for the American Church

Since 1972, the Whitefield Memorial Church has been the home of the American International Church. The United Reformed Church offered it to them. This happened when the American Church had to leave its old building in North Audley Street. The London Chinese Lutheran Church also uses this building.

The areas next to the church have recently been improved. In 2021, special signs were put up. These signs tell stories about the chapel's history. They also show Whitefield's connections to Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon. The signs also talk about the end of slavery, shown through the story of Olaudah Equiano. He was buried at Whitefield's Tabernacle.

The American Church in London

During World War II, American military members went to church at the Anglican Grosvenor Chapel. This chapel was near the American Embassy at the time. After the war, more American families joined the church. These were families from the State Department and Defense Department. Military chaplains helped lead the church services.

In 1969, the church became independent. It no longer relied on military support. The Rev. William Schotanus became its first minister. The American Church met in several different church buildings. Finally, in 1972, it moved to the Whitefield Memorial Church.

Notable People Buried Here

Some important people were buried at the original Whitefield's Tabernacle or had their remains moved from there.

• Olaudah Equiano
• George Gauld (surveyor)
• Augustus Toplady
• J. S. Grimaldi