St Andrew's Southgate facts for kids
St Andrew's Southgate is a beautiful Church of England church located in Chase Side, Southgate, London. It was built a long time ago, in 1903, and officially opened in 1913. This church took the place of an older, smaller church building that was in Farm Road. That older building was called a "chapel-of-ease," which means it was a smaller church that helped out the main parish church, Christ Church, Southgate. The chapel in Farm Road had been there since the 1870s and became known as St Andrew's in the 1890s. St Andrew's Southgate became its own official parish church in 1928.
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History of St Andrew's Church
St Andrew's Southgate is an Edwardian church. This means it was built during the time King Edward VII was on the throne (1901-1910). The church has a special style called Gothic Revival, which looks back to the grand churches of the Middle Ages. It was designed to be a place for people in the growing community of Southgate to worship and gather.
Early Beginnings
Before the main church was built, there was a smaller building in Farm Road. This was a "chapel-of-ease" for the larger Christ Church, Southgate. Think of it like a smaller branch office of a main company. It helped serve the local people who lived further away from the main church. This chapel started in the 1870s. By the 1890s, it was already known as St Andrew's.
Building the New Church
As the area of Southgate grew, a bigger church was needed. So, the new and grander St Andrew's church was built in 1903. It took ten years to complete and was officially opened in 1913. This was a big moment for the community!
Becoming a Parish Church
For a while, St Andrew's was still connected to Christ Church. But in 1928, St Andrew's Southgate became its very own "parish church." This means it became the main church for its local area, with its own priest and responsibilities.
People of St Andrew's
The first leader of St Andrew's was a reverend named William H.I. Simpson. He passed away in 1949. Reverend Simpson is buried at Southgate Cemetery. His wife, Madeline Simpson, and their son, Kenneth Simpson, are also buried there. Kenneth was a member of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Sadly, he died in an accident while serving during the Second World War.
