St Augustine's Church, Slade Green facts for kids
St Augustine's Church is a beautiful old church in Slade Green, England. It belongs to the Church of England and was built during the Victorian era, which was a long time ago, from 1837 to 1901. This church is a very important part of the local community.
Contents
History of St Augustine's
How the Church Started
St Augustine's Church began its journey in 1900. At first, it was like a "daughter church" to another church nearby, called the Church of St Paulinus, Crayford. This means it was part of a larger church's family. Later, in 1925, St Augustine's became its very own independent parish. A parish is like a local area that a church serves. The church is named after Augustine of Canterbury, a very important saint in English history.
A Place of Remembrance
For many years, a special war memorial has stood proudly at the front of the church. This memorial helps people remember those who bravely served and sacrificed during wars. It has been there since at least 1930, showing how important it is to the community.
The Church During Wartime
St Augustine's Church faced tough times during both the First and Second World Wars. It was hit by air raids, which are attacks from planes dropping bombs.
During the Second World War, many families in east London lost their homes because of bombing. St Augustine's Church became a safe place for these families. It offered them shelter and support when they had nowhere else to go.
The church also helped feed the community during the war. A special place called a British Restaurant operated from the St Augustine's Church Hall. This restaurant provided up to 250 lunches six days a week! It fed local people, children at the school, and workers in nearby factories. This shows how the church was a true helper during difficult times.
Rebuilding and Renewal
The church suffered a direct hit during an air raid in 1944. This caused a lot of damage, and the church needed major repairs. Even after the wars, the church faced another challenge. In 1991, a fire broke out, destroying the roof and much of the inside of the building. However, the community worked hard to rebuild and restore their beloved church. Today, St Augustine's continues to stand strong, serving its community.
