St Alban's Church, Holborn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Alban's Church, Holborn |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 51°31′10.772″N 0°6′38.174″W / 51.51965889°N 0.11060389°W | |
| Location | Holborn, London |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Anglo-Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Dedication | St Alban |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Designated | 1951 |
| Architect(s) | William Butterfield |
| Style | Neo-Gothic |
| Years built | 1861–1862 |
| Administration | |
| Archdeaconry | Hampstead |
| Episcopal area | Edmonton |
| Diocese | London |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Alban's Church, Holborn is a beautiful Church of England building in Holborn, central London. It's a parish church, which means it serves the local community. The church is located in an area often called Hatton Garden, known for its jewelry shops and law firms. Since 1951, it has been listed as a Grade II* building, showing its special historical and architectural importance.
Contents
History of St Alban's Church
How the Church Began
The land for St Alban's Church was given by William Henry Leigh, 2nd Baron Leigh. The money to build it came from John Hubbard, 1st Baron Addington. The church was designed by the famous architect William Butterfield in 1859. It was built between 1861 and 1862 using yellow and red bricks, with stone decorations and tiled roofs.
In 1862, Alexander Mackonochie became the first priest of St Alban's. He introduced several new practices to the church. For example, he held a daily Eucharist (a special church service) that included Gregorian chant and other traditional elements like lighting altar candles. St Alban's was also one of the first Anglican churches to celebrate a Harvest Festival. Mackonochie was known for helping people in need. He and his assistants started schools, soup kitchens, clubs for working men, and clothing funds. He was sometimes called "the martyr of St Alban's" because some people disagreed with his traditional church practices.
In 1891, a new chapel was added to the church. Its stained glass windows, which are colorful pictures made of glass, were created by Charles Eamer Kempe in 1898.
From 1900 to Today
During the London Blitz in 1941, which was a time of heavy bombing in London during World War II, the main part of the church was badly damaged by fire. However, the chapel survived. The church was rebuilt and restored between 1959 and 1961 by Adrian Gilbert Scott. A new organ was also installed by John Compton.
Near the church's entrance, there is a sculpture from 1985 called 'Jesus being Raised from the Dead' by Hans Feibusch. This same artist also created the church's current set of Stations of the Cross and a mural of the Holy Trinity on the east wall in 1966.
In 1990, St Alban's Church was the place where a group called Affirming Catholicism was founded. This group represents a more modern and open approach within the Anglo-Catholic tradition. Today, the church is considered a traditional Anglo-Catholic parish. This means it follows older church practices and traditions.
The current vicar, who is the main priest, is Fr Christopher Smith. He has been in this role since 2011.
Gallery of Architectural Features
-
West door inscription
-
'Jesus Being Raised From the Dead' by Hans Feibusch
,_Holborn_-_geograph.org.uk_-_704805.jpg)
.jpg)
