St Winefride Church, South Wimbledon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Winefride Church
Front entrance
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Location	South Wimbledon
Country	United Kingdom
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Website	WinefrideChurch.co.uk
History
Status	Active
Founder(s)	Society of Jesus
Dedication	Saint Winefride
Architecture
Functional status	Parish church
Heritage designation	Grade II listed
Designated	21 March 1996
Architect(s)	Frederick Walters
Style	Romanesque Revival
Groundbreaking	1904
Completed	1905
Administration
Deanery	Merton
Archdiocese	Southwark
Province	Southwark

St Winefride Church is a Roman Catholic church located in South Wimbledon, part of the London Borough of Merton. It was started in 1905 by a group called the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. The church was designed by an architect named Frederick Walters. It is considered a special historical building and is listed as Grade II.

The Story of St Winefride Church

How the Church Began

In 1877, a group of priests called the Jesuits came to Wimbledon. They were asked by a woman named Edith Arendrup to hold church services in her home. Later, the Jesuits also started holding services for Catholics in South Wimbledon at St Mary's School.

Because more and more people needed a place to worship, Edith Arendrup helped build a larger church called Sacred Heart Church. It was finished in 1887 and also designed by Frederick Walters.

Building a New Church

By 1903, the number of Catholics in South Wimbledon kept growing. It became clear that another church was needed to welcome everyone. So, the same architect, Frederick Walters, was asked to design this new church.

Construction on St Winefride Church began in 1904 and was completed in 1905. The church has a statue of Saint Ignatius, who founded the Jesuits. This shows the strong connection the Jesuits had with the church. There is also a statue of Saint Winefride, who the church is named after.

Changes Over Time

In 1961, the Jesuits handed over the running of St Winefride Church to the Archdiocese of Southwark. This group still manages the church today.

During the 1980s, the church was updated. The altar was moved closer to the people, and beautiful stained glass windows were added. A new heating system was also put in. The church also has a hall on Bridges Road, which was updated in 2004 and is still used by the community.

Life at the Parish

Mass Times and Services

St Winefride Church holds several services each week. On Saturday evening, there is one Mass at 6:00 PM. On Sunday, there are two Masses, one at 9:00 AM and another at 11:00 AM. Weekday Masses are held at 9:30 AM from Monday to Friday, and at 10:00 AM on Saturday.

Local School Connections

Within the church's area, there is a school called St Mary's Catholic Primary School. The school works closely with the church. It aims to teach children using "Gospel Values," which are important Christian beliefs. Many students from St Mary's Primary School later go on to attend Wimbledon College, which is a Jesuit secondary school.

Inside the Church

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  The main part of the church, called the Nave

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  The East window, often featuring stained glass