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 | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Syriac Orthodox |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | St Saviour's Centre for the Deaf |
| Status | Church |
St Thomas Syriac Orthodox Cathedral is a special church in Acton, London. It used to be called St Saviour's Centre for the Deaf. This was an Anglican church and a social place for deaf people. It was the first church built just for deaf people.
St Saviour's was a main spot for the London church group that helped deaf and deafblind people. It closed in 2014 because it ran out of money. The last service was held on September 24, 2014.
On November 25, 2016, the building became a new cathedral for the Syriac Orthodox Church. It was renamed St Thomas Syriac Orthodox Cathedral Acton. A special leader, Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II, led the ceremony. Prince Charles (who is now King Charles III) was also there.
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A Church with a Special History
This church has an interesting past, moving from one part of London to another. It was always important for the deaf community.
Early Days: Oxford Street
The church first started in Oxford Street. The first building was made between 1870 and 1874. The Duke of Westminster gave the land for the church.
The foundation stone was laid by Prince Edward and Princess Alexandra. Princess Alexandra had a hearing problem. The first church service happened in 1873. This building showed that deaf people had a right to be fully part of church and society.
Moving to Acton
The church moved to Acton in 1925. The Oxford Street spot was needed for a new building, which is now the Selfridge's store. The Prince of Wales laid the foundation stone for the new church in Acton in 1924.
The church in Acton was used for 90 years. It had 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 so everyone could see the signers clearly.
The church closed in 2014 because it could no longer afford to stay open. The final service was held on September 24, 2014.
Becoming St Thomas Syriac Orthodox Cathedral
On November 25, 2016, the building was officially made a cathedral for the Syriac Orthodox Church. It was given its new name, St Thomas Syriac Orthodox Cathedral Acton. The ceremony was led by Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II. Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and other important church leaders were there.
Helping Deaf People
Even though the St Saviour's Church building closed, the group of people who worshipped there still meets. The team that helps deaf and deafblind people has other meeting places. However, St Saviour's was the only building made just for them.
Chaplains are special priests who help specific groups of people. They lead worship and social events for the deaf and deafblind community in London.
The Church Building Today
In September 2014, the church building was sold to the Syriac Orthodox Church. They wanted to keep using it as a church. It reopened as St Thomas Cathedral in November 2016. Prince Charles and Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II attended the reopening.
Old papers and records about the church are being studied by a project called History of Place. They will be shown at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2018.
