French Protestant Church of London Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids French Protestant Church of London

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Location	Soho, London
Country	United Kingdom
Denomination	Reformed
Tradition	Liberal Christianity
Website	French Protestant Church of London
History
Founded	24 July 1550
Founder(s)	Edward VI
Architecture
Heritage designation	Grade II* Listed
Architect(s)	Aston Webb
Groundbreaking	28 October 1891
Completed	25 March 1893

The French Protestant Church of London (which in French is called Église protestante française de Londres) is a special church. It's a Reformed and Presbyterian church that has served French-speaking people in London since 1550. This church is the very last Huguenot church left in London. The building you see today in Soho Square is quite old and important. It's a Grade II* listed building, which means it's protected because of its history and design. The famous architect Aston Webb designed it, and it was built between 1891 and 1893.

History of the French Protestant Church
How the Church is Organized
- Charitable Work
- Church Leadership
Gallery
See also

History of the French Protestant Church

How the Church Started

The French Protestant Church of London began a very long time ago. It was officially started by a special document called a royal charter. This charter was given by King Edward VI on July 24, 1550. This meant the church had the king's permission to exist.

Early Leaders and Growth

In 1560, a very important religious leader named John Calvin helped the church. He sent a trusted pastor, Nicolas des Gallars, from Geneva. Pastor des Gallars helped the young church learn about Reformed beliefs and how to organize itself like a Presbyterian church. This helped the church grow strong in its early years.

Huguenots in London

The church became very important for Huguenot refugees. Huguenots were French Protestants who had to leave France because they were being treated unfairly for their beliefs. In 1685, a law called the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes made things even harder for Protestants in France. Many Huguenots then came to London.

By 1700, there were 23 Huguenot churches in London. This shows how many French refugees lived there at the time. Today, the French Protestant Church of London is the only one still active. Another French Protestant Church in Brighton, which opened in 1887, closed in 2008.

How the Church is Organized

Charitable Work

The French Protestant Church of London is a registered charity under English law. This means it's a non-profit organization that does good work for the community. There's also a related charity called The French Huguenot Church of London Charitable Trust. This trust helps provide money for the church and supports other good causes.

Church Leadership

The main leader of the church is the pastor. Since September 1, 2013, Stéphane Desmarais has been the pastor. He is the 72nd French-speaking pastor of the church since it started in 1550. He is also the 70th pastor to be officially appointed to this role since Nicolas des Gallars in 1560.

The church is managed by a group called the Consistory. The members of the Consistory are chosen by the church and approved by the people who attend. The pastor is always a member of the Consistory because of their position.

Gallery

Temple of the French Protestant Church of London
Front of the building
Tympanum installed for the 400th anniversary of the Church in 1950
Sunday service at the French Protestant Church of London with pastor Stéphane Desmarais

World Wars
WW2 museum in the temple of the French Protestant Church of London
Emblem designed by pastor Christol for use by members of the Church and of the Free French Forces (1942 version)
Plate "to our war dead" in the temple