St Augustine's Church, Slade Green facts for kids
St Augustine's Church is a historic Church of England church located in Slade Green. It was built during the Victorian era, a time when Queen Victoria ruled Britain. This church serves as a parish church, which means it is the main church for a local area or community. It is part of the Diocese of Rochester, which is a larger group of churches in that region.
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St Augustine's Church: A Historic Place
Early Days and Growth
St Augustine's Church started its journey in 1900. It was first connected to the Church of St Paulinus, Crayford, like a younger sibling church. However, by 1925, St Augustine's became its own independent parish. This meant it had its own local area and could serve its community directly. The church is named after Augustine of Canterbury, a very important saint in English history. A special memorial, honoring those who served in wars, has stood proudly at the front of the church since at least 1930.
Surviving Wartime Challenges
St Augustine's Church faced tough times during both the First and Second World Wars. It was hit by air raids, which were attacks from planes dropping bombs.
Helping the Community During War
During the Second World War, many families from eastern London lost their homes due to bombing. St Augustine's Church welcomed these families, offering them a safe place. The church hall also played a vital role in supporting the local community. A special place called a British Restaurant operated there. This restaurant provided up to 250 lunches six days a week. It helped feed local residents, students from the school, and workers from nearby factories.
Rebuilding After Damage
The church suffered significant damage during the war. In 1944, it was directly hit during an air raid, requiring a lot of rebuilding work. Later, in 1991, a fire caused even more damage. The fire destroyed the church's roof and much of its inside structure. Despite these challenges, the community worked to repair and restore the church.
