St Alban's Church, Acton Green facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Alban's Church, Acton Green |
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| St Alban the Martyr | |
From the East
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| 51°29′45″N 00°15′47″W / 51.49583°N 0.26306°W | |
| Location | South Parade Acton Green, London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Founded | 1887 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | Edward Monson, Jr. |
| Style | Neo-gothic |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Red brick, stone dressings |
| Administration | |
| Archdeaconry | Middlesex |
| Diocese | London |
St Alban's Church, also known as St Alban the Martyr, is a church located in Acton Green, West London. It was designed by Edward Monson Jr. and first opened its doors in 1888. You can find it on South Parade in Chiswick.
Contents
Church History and Design
Building the Church
The church was designed by Edward Monson Jr. in a style called neo-Gothic. This means it looks like old Gothic churches but was built more recently. It is made from red bricks with special stone decorations. The roof is steep and made of slate. The church does not have a tall tower or a bell tower.
The very first stone for the church was placed on October 18, 1887. The church officially opened in 1888. Today, it is an important building in the Acton Green area.
What the Church Looks Like
One expert, Nikolaus Pevsner, described it as a "large raw red basilica." A basilica is a type of church building. However, the local council in Ealing says it has "imposing architecture," meaning it looks very grand. The church building is so special that it is a Grade II listed building. This means it is protected for its historical importance.
The house where the vicar lives, called the vicarage, is also built with the same red bricks. It has stone around its windows.
Stained Glass Windows
Inside the church, some of the beautiful stained glass windows were made by an artist named Frederick Hamilton Jackson. One of these windows shows a scene called Jesus and the Doctors. It was given to the church by Blanche Rose Harper in 1888.
Other Buildings Nearby
Next to the church, there is a green building made of corrugated iron. This building was likely a "tin tabernacle." These were simple, temporary churches used for special services. This one was used until 1938. Also nearby is "The Caterpillar" Montessori nursery school, which is a school for young children.
Important Events and People
A Special Wedding
On January 15, 1909, a local newspaper called The Chiswick Times reported a special event. Miss Gladys Cowper, from Fairlawn Court in Acton Green, got married at the church. Her husband was Captain Guy Maxwell Shipway. His father, Colonel Shipway, lived in Grove House, Chiswick.
A Famous Vicar
In the 1920s, a well-known theologian and writer named W. O. E. Oesterley was the vicar of St Alban's Church. A vicar is the priest in charge of a church.
Recent History and Restoration
Church Closure and Reopening
Over time, fewer people attended the church. In 2007, St Alban's Church was closed. For seven years, the building was empty.
In 2011, some builders wanted to turn the church into 10 apartments and a house. Many people in the community did not want this to happen. They wanted the church to remain a place for the community. In 2013, a public meeting was held to discuss the plans. The person in charge decided that the church should not be turned into homes. They said it was important for the community to keep this building.
Because of this decision, the church was able to open again in 2014. It became part of the Christ Church W4 group of churches, working with Christ Church, Turnham Green.
Modern Updates
The church building was then carefully restored and updated. New features were added to make it more modern and eco-friendly. These included solar panels on the roof to create electricity. A new heating system was also installed. To help local wildlife, nest boxes were put up for swifts, which are a type of bird. New kitchen and toilet facilities were also added.
On October 4, 2016, the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, officially rededicated the renovated church. This was a special ceremony to mark its new beginning.
Images for kids
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This stone shows when the church was started. It was laid by E. Montague Nelson on October 18, 1887. It also mentions the first vicar, Rev. George Henley Manbey, the architect Edward Monson, Jr., and the builder Joseph Dorey.
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A view of the church and a nearby school.
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