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's part of the Church of England. This beautiful building was designed by an architect named W. D. Caröe and built between 1900 and 1906. It's considered a very important building and is listed as a Grade II building. This means it has special historical or architectural value.
Contents
History of St Matthew's Church
St Matthew's Church has an interesting past, starting with a temporary building before the grand stone church was built.
How the Church Started
St Matthew's Church began in 1894. The London Diocesan Home Mission bought land in Willesden to build a new church. They first put up a temporary church made of iron. This iron church was finished in 1895 and could hold about 300 people. It was a good start for the community.
Building the Permanent Church
Work on the church you see today, made of brick, started on November 3, 1900. A special ceremony was held to lay the foundation stone. This stone is the very first part of the building. The church was designed by the famous architect William Douglas Caröe.
The church was built in different stages. The first part was ready in 1901. More sections, like the vestries (rooms for clergy) and a corner, were finished in 1904. The large organ was put in place in 1906. Finally, the main part of the church, called the nave, was completed on October 11, 1906. Once finished, the church could welcome 878 people.
The Parish Hall's Story
Next to the church, a parish hall was built between 1910 and 1911. This hall was very important during the First World War. It was used as a temporary hospital and had 40 beds for injured soldiers.
Sadly, during the Second World War, the hall was bombed on September 28, 1940. Seven people who were sheltering inside lost their lives. The hall was badly damaged and left unused until it was rebuilt in 1951.
Community and Services
St Matthew's Church is an active part of the Willesden community. It has a close connection with the local school, John Keble Church of England Primary School. The church shares responsibility for the school with another nearby church.
The church holds services every week. On Sundays, there is a main service called Mass at 11:00 AM. In the evening, there is another service called Evensong and Benediction at 6:00 PM.
Inside the Church
The inside of St Matthew's Church is full of interesting features. It shows the beautiful Gothic Revival style that was popular when it was built.
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The Chancel, where the altar is located
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The Sanctuary, a sacred area
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The impressive church organ
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The gallery inside the church
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The Baptismal font, used for baptisms
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A quiet South chapel
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The beautiful East window
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The Nave, the main seating area
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A side altar
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The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham
