Sacred Heart Church, Wimbledon Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Sacred Heart Church
Sacred Heart Church viewed from the main gate.
Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
OS grid reference	TQ2391670250
Location	Wimbledon, London
Country	England
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Website	SacredHeartWimbledon.org.uk
History
Status	Church
Founded	17 June 1887 (1887-06-17)
Founder(s)	Edith Arendrup
Dedication	Sacred Heart of Jesus
Consecrated	1931
Events	Reordered in 1990 Refurbished in 2009
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Heritage designation	Grade II*
Designated	28 May 1987
Architect(s)	Frederick Walters
Style	Late Decorated Gothic (Gothic Revival)
Completed	1901
Administration
Deanery	Merton
Archdiocese	Southwark
Province	Southwark

Sacred Heart Church is a Catholic church located in Wimbledon, South West London. It serves the Catholic community in Wimbledon and nearby areas. This church is part of the Archdiocese of Southwark. It stands right next to Wimbledon College and Donhead Preparatory School. You can enter the church from Edge Hill road or from Darlaston Road.

History of Sacred Heart Church
The Church Community
- Jesuit Missions Work
Gallery
See also

History of Sacred Heart Church

How the Church Started

The church was started by a woman named Edith Arendrup. She was from a very rich family, the Courtaulds. Edith moved to Wimbledon in 1877. At that time, not many Catholics lived in the area. She asked the Jesuits, a group of Catholic priests, to start a Mass-centre at her house.

Seven years later, Edith decided to build a large church. She chose a good spot on Edge Hill. The church was designed by Frederick Walters, a young architect. He designed it in a style called late Decorated Gothic. This building is now a special Grade II* listed building.

Building the Church

The first part of the church, called the nave, opened on June 17, 1887. This date is important because it was the feast of the Sacred Heart. Building continued for 14 more years. The sanctuary and south aisle were finished in 1895. Then came the back chapels in 1896. The north aisle and sacristy were added in 1898. Finally, the front of the church was completed in 1901.

The original plan included a tall tower at the front. But there wasn't enough money to build it. Instead, two smaller turrets were built. A large window with fancy patterns was also added. On the south wall of the church, there is a monument to Edith Arendrup. It says that she had a Christian vision. It also says that her kindness helped build the church.

From 1898, another rich person helped the church. Her name was Caroline Currie. She was a wealthy widow. She paid for the north aisle. She also paid for a chapel dedicated to St. Ignatius, who founded the Jesuits. This chapel has a special medal showing Mrs. Currie. She passed away in 1902.

The Jesuits built more churches in the area. In 1905, St Winefride Church was built for people in South Wimbledon. In 1913, a Mass centre opened in Wimbledon Park. Later, in 1926, Christ the King Church was built there. It was finished in 1928.

Changes in the 20th and 21st Centuries

In 1990, the church was updated. A new main altar was put in. It was designed by David John. He also made a bronze box underneath the altar. This box holds special items from Roman and English martyrs. These include Saints Thomas More and Saint Edmund Campion. The floor tiles were designed by Austin Winkley.

In 2007 and 2008, the church halls were made new. It became easier to get around, and a new room for young people was added. For over 130 years, the Jesuits managed Sacred Heart Church. But on November 17, 2012, it was announced that they would no longer run the church directly. On January 10, 2014, the church was handed over to the Archdiocese of Southwark. They continue to manage the church today.

The Church Community

Sacred Heart Church is very close to several schools. These include Wimbledon College and Donhead School for boys. The Ursuline High School and Ursuline Preparatory School for girls are also nearby. All these schools have a strong connection with the church. Students from these schools often use the church for Masses throughout the school year.

The church also has many groups that meet in its parish centre. One group helps people with their spiritual needs. Another group works for social justice. They support fair trade products. They also help people learn about important social issues.

Jesuit Missions Work

Jesuit Missions is a charity that helps people in developing countries. It is part of the Society of Jesus in Britain. Even after the Jesuits handed over the church, this charity stayed on the same street. In 1961, it moved to Wimbledon from Roehampton. Tony Montfort led it for 40 years.

The charity raises money in different ways, like through the London Marathon. They send this money to countries that need help. They also share news about the work of Jesuits and other missionaries around the world.