St Matthias' Church, Stoke Newington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Matthias Stoke Newington |
|
|---|---|
St Matthias Stoke Newington, London N16
|
|
 St Matthias Stoke Newington
Location in Greater London
|
|
| 51°33′09″N 0°04′46″W / 51.5526°N 0.0794°W | |
| Location | Wordsworth Road, Stoke Newington, London N16 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Tradition | Anglican |
| Website | The Church of England: A Church Near You. 'St Matthias Church Stoke Newington' |
| History | |
| Founded | 1849 |
| Dedicated | 1853 & rededicated 1954 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | 1/. William Butterfield; 2/. Nugent Cachemaille-Day |
| Style | Free Gothic |
| Years built | 1851-53-83 & c. 1952-55 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St Matthias Stoke Newington |
| Deanery | Hackney |
| Archdeaconry | Hackney |
| Episcopal area | Stepney |
| Diocese | Diocese of London |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Matthias' Church is a beautiful old church in Stoke Newington, north London, England. It is a Grade-I listed building, which means it's very important and protected. Since it first opened, the church has been known for its special 'High Church' style of worship. This means its services are often more formal and traditional, with lots of music and ceremony.
Contents
History of St Matthias' Church
The area around St Matthias' Church became its own church district, called a parish, in 1849. This new parish was created from parts of Stoke Newington and Hornsey. The person or group in charge of choosing the church's leaders (the clergy) was either the King or Queen, or the Bishop of London.
Building the Church
The amazing church building was designed by a famous architect named William Butterfield (1814–1900). It was finished and officially opened in June 1853. A rich local surgeon, Robert Brett (1808–74), paid for most of the building. He was worried because many other churches, called Dissenting chapels, were becoming popular. He wanted the main Church of England to have a bigger, better place for the growing number of people in the area.
The church's music was very important. The organist, William Henry Monk, helped create the musical style for services. He was also the music editor for a famous hymn book called Hymns Ancient and Modern. He even wrote the music for the well-known hymn "Abide with me".
Protests and Changes
Under the leadership of Rev. Charles James Le Geyt, the church's 'High Church' style of worship, sometimes called ritualist, caused strong disagreements. In October 1867, many people gathered outside the church to protest. They shouted at the vicar during the service. After the service, the crowd grew, and some church members were treated roughly. The protesters even tried to go into Robert Brett's house, but the police stopped them.
Later, after another protest in London Fields, a large crowd marched towards St Matthias' Church. One person was dressed in a cardinal's hat, and they shouted things like "Attack the Church!" and "Down with St Matthias!". A large group of police officers were waiting outside Le Geyt's house. The crowd eventually left, but not before loudly showing their disapproval of Le Geyt's 'High Church' ways.
World War II Damage and Rebuilding
During the Second World War, the church was hit by bombs from the air. All the beautiful decorations inside, the stained-glass windows, and the furniture were destroyed. Even parts of the brick and stone ceiling were damaged. The church was rebuilt and reopened in 1954. The architect for the rebuilding was Nugent Cachemaille-Day (1896–1976).
After the war, the right to choose the church's leaders was given to the Corporation of London. In 2022, the church also started hosting concerts and performances by musicians, like the American musician Circuit Des Yeux.
.jpg)
What the Church Looks Like Today
The church building has a very unique look. It is made of special light-colored bricks with stone details and slate roofs. Inside, the main part of the church, called the nave, is very tall. It has five sections with lower side areas. The tall tower in the middle, with its long bell openings, is the most noticeable part of the building. Inside, it creates a very tall arch leading to the altar area. The windows have special patterns that are a mix of old styles.
The church is currently being repaired to keep it in good condition. The money for these repairs comes from the church community itself, as well as from groups like the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic England.
