Raleigh Road United Church, Richmond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Raleigh Road United Church |
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| 51°28′3.8346″N 0°17′27.2538″W / 51.467731833°N 0.290903833°W | |
| Location | Raleigh Road, Richmond, London TW9 2HN |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Methodist and United Reformed |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | Kew Road Methodist Church; St. Paul’s Congregational Church; St Paul's United Reformed Church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Completed | 1956 |
| Administration | |
| Synod | Southern |
| Circuit | Richmond and Hounslow |
Raleigh Road United Church is a special church in Richmond, London. It stands at the corner of Raleigh Road and Stanmore Gardens. This church is unique because it brings together two different types of Christian churches: a Methodist Church and a United Reformed Church. These two churches, which used to be called Kew Road Methodist Church and St. Paul's Congregational Church, joined together in September 1995.
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A Look Back: Church History
This church has an interesting past, formed from two older churches. Let's learn about their journeys.
St Paul's Congregational Church
The original St Paul's Congregational Church on Raleigh Road first opened its doors on 12 December 1898. It was built to serve the many new families moving into Richmond. The closest other Congregational church was quite far away.
A kind and important person named Sir Charles Burt helped pay for most of the building. He was a leading member of another church and had even been the Mayor of Richmond. Sadly, the first building was badly damaged during World War II on 1 October 1940. The church you see today was built later and opened on 8 December 1956.
Kew Road Methodist Church
Kew Road Methodist Church started even earlier, opening in 1868. It was built on land bought from a noblewoman's estate. At first, it was used as a church on Sundays and a day school during the week until 1927.
In 1872, a much larger chapel was added, big enough for 1,000 people. But disaster struck in 1881 when this chapel was destroyed by fire. It was quickly rebuilt the very next year, in 1882.
By 1933, a new, bigger church was needed to serve both the Kew Road and Sheen Road church communities. They decided to rebuild on the Kew Road site. The old church was taken down in 1937, and a brand new one was built. This church closed in 1995 when it merged with St Paul's United Reformed Church. Today, flats stand where the old Kew Road Methodist Church once was.
Who is the Minister?
The person who leads the church services and guides the community is called the minister. The current minister at Raleigh Road United Church is Revd Claudia Lupi.
What Happens at the Church?
Raleigh Road United Church is a busy place!
Sunday Services
Church services are held every Sunday morning at 10:30 am. During the school year, there's also a special "Junior Church" session at the same time. This is a great way for younger members to learn and have fun.
Community Spaces
The church has three halls. These halls are often used for private events like parties or meetings. They also host many different community groups, making the church a hub for local activities.
