St Paul's Church, Tottenham facts for kids

St Paul the Apostle is a church located in Tottenham, London, England. It is part of the Church of England and belongs to the Diocese of London. The church follows the Anglo-Catholic tradition, which means it has many practices similar to the Roman Catholic Church, like celebrating Mass daily.

A Look at St Paul's History

How the Church Began

The story of St Paul's Church started around 1855. At first, the community met in a simple iron building. A kind person named Ms. Jemima Holt gave some land in Park Lane for a proper church. An architect named William Mumford was chosen to design the building.

Construction began in 1858. The church was built using strong Kentish stone. It was officially opened in 1859. This first church was one of the "Commissioners' churches" built to serve growing communities.

The New Building

Many years later, in 1973, the original church building was taken down. While a new church and some flats were being built, the church community gathered for worship in the school hall nearby. The current church building was officially opened on November 20, 1976. The Right Reverend Bill Westwood, who was the Bishop of Edmonton at the time, led the dedication ceremony.

Important Leaders of the Church

Over the years, many dedicated people have served St Paul's. One notable leader was Fr Alan Hopes. He was the Vicar of St Paul's for 16 years. He later became a Bishop in the Roman Catholic Church, serving as an Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and then Bishop of East Anglia.

Who Leads St Paul's Church?

Past Vicars and Priests

The church has been led by many dedicated priests and vicars throughout its history. Here are some of the people who have served as the main leader of St Paul's:

• Fr D. J. Harrison (the first Incumbent in 1873)
• Fr Hugh M’Sorley, MA
• Fr Benjamin White Clinch (1893–1896)
• Revd Joseph Oscar De Vile (1932-1945)
• Fr Jack Plumley (1945–1947)
• Fr A C W Phillips (1947-1956)
• Fr Desmond Curzon (1957-1967)
• Fr Raymond Avent (1967–1977)
• Fr Alan Hopes (1978–1994)
• Canon Andrew Dangerfield (1996–2006)
• Fr Mark Elliott-Smith (2007–2011)
• Fr Robert Wilkinson (since 2011)

Curates Who Have Served

Curates are priests who assist the main vicar or priest in a church. Many curates have helped the community of St Paul's over the years. Some of them include:

• Fr Eric John Cooper (1953–1955)
• Fr Lamont Wellington Sanderson Phillips (1976–1983)
• Fr Stephen Taylor (1973–1976)
• Canon John Salter (1978–1982)
• Fr Tony Robinson (1982–1985)
• Fr Nigel Orchard (1985–1989)
• Fr Paul Waters (1988–1991)
• Fr Mark Elliott-Smith (1996–2001)
• Fr James Hill (2007–2011)
• Fr Christopher Trundle (2010–2012)
• Fr Adrian Teare (2012-2013)