Sacred Heart Church, Wimbledon Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Sacred Heart Church
Sacred Heart Church viewed from the main gate.
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OS grid reference	TQ2391670250
Location	Wimbledon, London
Country	UK
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 Roman Catholic church located in Wimbledon, South West London. It serves the Catholic community in Wimbledon and nearby areas. A church is a building where Christians gather for worship, and a parish is the area it serves. This church is part of the Archdiocese of Southwark and is right next to Wimbledon College and Donhead Preparatory School. You can enter the church from Edge Hill road or Darlaston Road.

The Story of Sacred Heart Church
The Parish Community
- Jesuit Missions Today
Gallery
See also

The Story of Sacred Heart Church

How the Church Started

The Sacred Heart Church was started by a woman named Edith Arendrup. She was from a rich family and moved to Wimbledon in 1877. At that time, there were not many Catholics living in the area.

Edith convinced the Jesuits (a group of Catholic priests) from Roehampton to hold church services at her house. Seven years later, she decided to build a large church. It was placed on a hill called Edge Hill. A young architect named Frederick Walters designed the church. He used a style called Decorated Gothic, which is a type of Gothic Revival architecture. This building is now a Grade II* listed building, meaning it's very important historically.

Building the Church

The main part of the church, called the nave, opened on June 17, 1887. This day is known as the feast of the Sacred Heart. Building work continued for 14 more years.

In 1895, the sanctuary (the area around the altar) and the south aisle (a side section) were finished.
In 1896, the back chapels were completed.
In 1898, the north aisle and sacristy (a room for priests) were added.
Finally, in 1901, the front of the church was completed.

The original plan was to build a tall tower at the front. But there wasn't enough money, so they built two smaller turrets and a large window instead. There is a special message on a wall inside the church about Edith Arendrup. It says she had a "Christian vision" that led to the church being built and that her "generosity" paid for it.

In 1898, another wealthy person, Caroline Currie, helped pay for more construction. She was the widow of a banker. She paid for the north aisle, a chapel dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola (who founded the Jesuits), and the baptistery (where baptisms happen). The St. Ignatius chapel has a special medal honoring Mrs. Currie, who passed away in 1902.

As the number of Catholics grew, more churches were needed.

In 1905, the Jesuits built St Winefride Church in South Wimbledon.
In 1913, a new service center was opened in Wimbledon Park.
In 1926, the Jesuits started building Christ the King Church in that area, which was finished in 1928.

Changes in the 20th Century

In 1990, the church was updated. A new main altar was put in. It was designed by David John. He also designed a special bronze box underneath the altar. This box holds relics (small pieces) of Roman and English martyrs, including Saints Thomas More and Saint Edmund Campion. The floor tiles were designed by Austin Winkley. Bishop Tripp dedicated the new altar on June 22, 1990.

Sacred Heart in the 21st Century

The church halls were updated in 2007 and 2008. They made it easier to get around and added a new room for young people.

For over 130 years, the Jesuits managed Sacred Heart Church. But on November 17, 2012, it was announced they would no longer directly run the church. On January 10, 2014, the church was handed over to the Archdiocese of Southwark, which is a larger church organization. They continue to manage the parish today.

The Parish Community

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

The church's community center hosts many groups.

A local Christian Life Community group helps people explore their spiritual side, especially through Ignatian spirituality.
There is also a social justice group. This group supports fair trade products and helps people learn about important social issues.

Jesuit Missions Today

Jesuit Missions is a charity that helps people in developing countries. It is still located on the same street as Sacred Heart Church, even after the Jesuits handed over the parish. In 1961, it moved to Wimbledon from Roehampton. This charity raises money, for example, through the London Marathon. It sends this money to help people in need around the world.

Jesuit Missions also shares news about the work of Jesuits and other missionaries overseas. They work with other charities and groups, like Global First Responder and the Xavier Network.