City Temple, London facts for kids

Quick facts for kids City Temple Holborn
Photo of the City Temple
Location	Holborn Viaduct, London
Country	England, United Kingdom
Denomination	United Reformed Church
Website	http://www.city-temple.com/
History
Founder(s)	Thomas Goodwin
Architecture
Years built	1873–1874. Reconstructed 1958

The City Temple is a famous church in London, located on Holborn Viaduct. It is a Nonconformist church, meaning it's a Protestant church that isn't part of the official Church of England. The current minister is Rodney Woods.

This church is part of the United Reformed Church. It is also a member of the Evangelical Alliance. The City Temple is well-known because many important preachers have spoken there. One of the most famous was Leslie Weatherhead in the 20th century. Other notable speakers included R. J. Campbell and Joseph Parker.

The first church building on this spot was built in 1874. However, the church community itself is much older. It is believed to have started around 1640. The original building was destroyed during The Blitz in World War II. It was then rebuilt and reopened in 1958.

The City Temple's Beginnings

The City Temple is thought to have been founded by Thomas Goodwin. The exact start date is not known, but it was likely around 1640. This makes it the oldest Nonconformist church community in the City of London. Its first meeting place was in Anchor Lane.

The church moved several times in its early years. In 1819, it found a more stable home in the Poultry area of Cheapside.

Moving to Holborn Viaduct

In 1867, the church needed a new leader. They asked Joseph Parker to become their pastor. He first said no, but then accepted in 1869. At the same time, the church decided to move from its Poultry location. The old site was sold, and Parker insisted the new church stay within the City of London.

They finally found the perfect spot on Holborn Viaduct. The Poultry Chapel closed in 1872. While the new church was being built, the community met in other places. These included the great hall of Cannon Street Hotel.

Building the New City Temple

The first stone for the new building was laid on May 19, 1873. The Corporation of the City of London gave the church a beautiful marble pulpit. The new building, named the City Temple, was officially opened on May 19, 1874.

Because of its size and location, the City Temple became very important. It was seen as a leading Nonconformist church in Britain. Much of this fame was due to Joseph Parker's powerful preaching.

Reginald John Campbell's Time

As Joseph Parker grew older, Reginald John Campbell joined in 1902 as his assistant. Parker wanted Campbell to be his successor. When Parker suddenly passed away, Campbell became the new pastor in May 1903.

Campbell had different ideas from Parker. He was known for his progressive views. He also introduced new ways of looking at the Bible in his sermons. These ideas became known as 'The New Theology'. Campbell even wrote a book about his beliefs. Later, he felt that some of his early writings were too strong.

In October 1915, Campbell preached his last sermon at the City Temple. He then left the Congregational church. A few days later, he joined the Church of England. He became an Anglican priest in 1916.

The City Temple in Later Years

After Campbell left, Joseph Fort Newton became the pastor. He was an American and a theological liberal. Some people were surprised that an American was chosen to lead an English church. Newton found the work at the City Temple very demanding. He asked for an assistant.

Surprisingly, a woman named Miss A. Maude Royden was chosen. She was an Anglican, but her church did not allow women to preach. However, the City Temple welcomed her. She was able to preach there, even though the newspapers were not always happy about it.

Newton led the City Temple through World War I. He returned to America in 1919. F. W. Norwood, an Australian Baptist, then became the pastor.

Leslie Weatherhead and Rebuilding

When Norwood left in 1935, the church looked for a new leader. They chose Leslie Weatherhead, a Methodist minister from Leeds. He served the City Temple from 1936 until his retirement in 1960.

During The Blitz in World War II, the City Temple was badly damaged. It was "gutted by fire from incendiary bombs". Weatherhead was able to continue his ministry at a nearby Anglican church, St Sepulchre-without-Newgate.

After the war, Weatherhead worked hard to raise money to rebuild the City Temple. Much of the funding came from John D. Rockefeller Jr.. The rebuilt City Temple was opened in 1958. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother attended the opening ceremony. Weatherhead retired two years later in 1960.

Images for kids

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  Holborn Viaduct frontage

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  R. J. Campbell preaching in the City Temple in about 1903

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  The interior of the City Temple destroyed in The Blitz – watercolour by Vivian Pitchforth (1941)

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  Plaque outside The City Temple, commemorating the rededication in 1958