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's located in the Whitefield Memorial Church on Tottenham Court Road. This church was first started to help Americans living in London feel at home.

It used to be called the American Church in London. But in 2013, its name changed to American International Church. This new name shows that people from about 30 different countries attend the church, not just Americans!

The church is also famous for its soup kitchen. This kitchen helps feed around 70 people every single day.

History of the Church Building

The First Chapel (1756)

The very first building on this spot was a chapel built in 1756. It was made for a well-known preacher named George Whitefield. The chapel became so popular that it was made bigger in 1759.

Another famous preacher, John Wesley, even gave a sermon there in 1770. This was after George Whitefield had passed away.

The original chapel was in a quiet area, surrounded by fields and gardens. George Whitefield himself laid the first stone for the chapel in June 1756. It opened for services just a few months later in November.

Changes Over Time

In 1890, the old chapel building was taken down. A new church, called Whitefield's Central Mission, was built in its place.

Sadly, during World War II, the church building was destroyed. This happened on Palm Sunday in 1945, when a V-2 rocket hit London. It was the very last V-2 rocket to fall on the city.

A brand new chapel was built in 1957. The land around it became a public path for everyone to use.

Home to the American International Church

Since 1972, the Whitefield Memorial Church has been home to the American International Church. The United Reformed Church offered them the building when they needed a new place. The building also hosts the London Chinese Lutheran Church.

The area around the church now has special panels. These panels tell stories about the chapel's history. They also show how George Whitefield was connected to Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon. The panels even highlight the fight to end slavery, featuring Olaudah Equiano, who was buried nearby.

The American Church in London

During World War II, American military members in London 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. They were often from government or defense jobs. Military chaplains helped lead the services.

In 1969, the church became independent and chose its first minister, Rev. William Schotanus. After meeting in a few different church buildings, the American Church finally moved to the Whitefield Memorial Church in 1972.

Notable Burials

Some interesting people were buried at this site:

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