St Thomas Cathedral, Acton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Thomas Syriac Orthodox Cathedral |
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| Saint Thomas Syriac Orthodox Cathedral London | |
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| Location | Acton, London |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Syriac Orthodox |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | St Saviour's Centre for the Deaf |
| Status | Church |
St Thomas Syriac Orthodox Cathedral Acton is a special church in Acton, London, England. It belongs to the Syriac Orthodox Christian group. Before it became St Thomas Cathedral, it was known as St Saviour's Centre for the Deaf. This was a unique Anglican church built especially for deaf people. It was a social hub and the main place for deaf and deafblind people in the Diocese of London.
St Saviour's closed in 2014 because it ran out of money to keep the building going. The last church service there was on September 24, 2014. Later, on November 25, 2016, the building was officially opened again. It became a cathedral for the Syriac Orthodox Church. A very important leader, Syriac Patriarch of Antioch Ignatius Aphrem II, led the ceremony. Even Prince Charles (who is now King Charles III) and other important people from the Church of England were there.
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A Look Back: The Church's Journey
St Saviour's Church in Oxford Street
The first church for this community was built in Oxford Street between 1870 and 1874. The architect who designed it was Arthur Blomfield. The land for the church was given by the Duke of Westminster.
The foundation stone, which is a special stone laid at the start of building, was placed by Edward, Prince of Wales and Princess Alexandra. Princess Alexandra had a hearing problem, which made this church even more meaningful. The first service was held in 1873. This building became a strong symbol. It showed that deaf people had the right to be fully involved in church and society.
St Saviour's Church Moves to Acton
In 1925, the church had to move from Oxford Street. The old site was needed to build the famous Selfridge's department store. So, a new church was built in Acton. The foundation stone for this new church was laid in 1924. Once again, the Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VIII) did the honors.
The community worshipped in this Acton church for 90 years. The building had many special features for deaf people. For example, it had two pulpits. One was for the speaker, and the other was for a sign language translator. There were no pillars to block anyone's view. The floor also sloped down. This made sure that everyone, even those at the back, could clearly see the people signing.
As mentioned, the church and its social center closed in 2014. This was due to a lack of money to keep it running. The last service was held on September 24, 2014. The Bishop of Willesden led this final service.
St Thomas Syriac Orthodox Cathedral Acton
On November 25, 2016, the building started a new chapter. It was officially opened as a cathedral for the Syriac Orthodox Church. It was given the new name, St Thomas Syriac Orthodox Cathedral Acton. The ceremony was led by Syriac Patriarch of Antioch Ignatius Aphrem II. Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and other important leaders from the Church of England were present.
Supporting Deaf People
Even though St Saviour's Church building closed, the community of deaf and deafblind worshippers continued to meet. The Chaplaincy among Deaf and Deafblind people has other meeting places. However, St Saviour's was the only building specifically designed for them. Its closure led to a new full-time Chaplain being appointed. Chaplains are priests who specialize in helping certain groups. In this case, they provide worship and social activities for the deaf and deafblind community in London.
The Church Building Today
In September 2014, the Diocese of London announced that the St Saviour's Church building had been sold. It was bought by the Syriac Orthodox Church community in west London. They worked to prepare it for their own church services. It reopened as St Thomas Cathedral in November 2016. Charles, Prince of Wales and Ignatius Aphrem II attended the reopening.
Documents and old records about the church are being studied by a project called "History of Place." These items will be part of an exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
