St Mary of Debre Tsion, Battersea facts for kids
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St Mary of Debre Tsion, Battersea is a special church located in Battersea, South London. It belongs to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Before this, it was known as the Church of Saint Philip and was part of the Church of England.
Contents
History of the Church Building
Building a New Church in London
This church building was designed by a famous architect named Sir James Knowles. It was built by a company called Colls & Sons. The church first opened its doors in 1870 as St Philip's Church. It was built for the Park Town Estate area.
Changes Over the Years
Over time, St Philip's Church joined with other local churches. In 1972, it combined with the parish of St Bartholomew, Wickersley Road. Then, in 2000, it joined with The Ascension, Lavender Hill. The building itself is very important, so it is a Grade II listed building. This means it is protected because of its historical value.
The Church Organ's Journey
When it was an Anglican church, it had a large organ made by William Hill & Sons. In 1992, this organ was carefully taken out. It was then moved and put back together in the chapel at Reading School by a company called Bower & Co.
A New Chapter for the Church
In the early 2000s, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church began renting the building. The Church of England decided the building was no longer needed by them in 2007. Then, in 2010, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church bought the building.
Renaming the Church
After being bought, the church was given its new name: St Mary of Debre Tsion, Battersea. This name comes from a very important place in Ethiopia. It is named after the Monastery of Mount Zion, which is called Monastery of Debre Tsion in the Ge'ez language. This monastery is found on Tulu Gudo Island in Lake Zway.
