St Matthew's Church, Willesden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Matthew's Church |
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| OS grid reference | TQ2153483990 |
| Location | Willesden, London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Churchmanship | Traditional Catholic |
| Website | StMatthewsWillesden.org.uk |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1894 |
| Dedication | Saint Matthew |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Designated | 3 June 1992 |
| Architect(s) | William Douglas Caroe |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 3 November 1900 |
| Completed | 11 October 1906 |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Brent |
| Archdeaconry | Northolt |
| Episcopal area | Willesden |
| Diocese | London |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Matthew's Church is a special church located in Willesden, London. It's an Anglican church, which means it belongs to the Church of England. You can find it at the corner of St Mary's Road and Fawcett Road. This beautiful building was constructed between 1900 and 1906. A famous architect named W. D. Caröe designed it. St Matthew's Church is considered a Grade II listed building, meaning it's an important historical structure.
Contents
History of St Matthew's Church
Early Beginnings
St Matthew's Church started in 1894. The London Diocesan Home Mission bought land on St Mary's Road. They quickly built a temporary church made of iron. This first church was finished in 1895. It was big enough for 300 people to attend services.
Building the Permanent Church
Work on the main church building began on November 3, 1900. A special ceremony took place to lay the foundation stone. The Archdeacon of Middlesex led this important event.
The church was designed by the architect William Douglas Caröe. The first part of the church was ready by October 12, 1901. The Bishop of London, Arthur Winnington-Ingram, officially opened it for use.
The church was built in stages over several years. The vestries and a corner section were finished in February 1904. An organ was installed in January 1906. The main part of the church, called the nave, was completed in October 1906. The finished church could hold 878 people.
The Parish Hall
A separate building, the parish hall, was built between 1910 and 1911. During the First World War, it was used as a hospital. It had 40 beds for injured soldiers.
Sadly, the hall was bombed during the Second World War in September 1940. Seven people who were sheltering inside lost their lives. The hall was rebuilt and reopened in 1951.
Life at St Matthew's
Community Connections
St Matthew's Church has a strong link with the local school. John Keble Church of England Primary School works closely with the church. The church shares responsibility for the school with All Souls' Church in Harlesden.
Weekly Services
The church holds services every week. Here is a list of the regular services:
- Sunday: Solemn Mass at 11am
- Monday: Low Mass at 10am
- Tuesday: Low Mass at 10am
- Wednesday: Low Mass at 7:30pm
- Thursday: Low Mass at 12 noon
- Friday: Low Mass at 10am
Inside the Church
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The Chancel, a special area near the altar.
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The Sanctuary, the most sacred part of the church.
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The church organ, used for music during services.
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The gallery, an upper level for seating or the choir.
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The Baptismal font, used for baptisms.
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The South chapel, a smaller prayer area.
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The beautiful East window.
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The Nave, the main seating area for the congregation.
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A side altar.
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The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.
See also
