Westminster Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Westminster Chapel |
|
|---|---|
The front of Westminster Chapel
seen from Petty France |
|
| Location | Westminster |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Evangelical free church, affiliated to EFCC and FIEC |
| Previous denomination | Congregational church |
| Membership | 250 |
| History | |
| Founded | 1840 |
| Founder(s) | Samuel Martin |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Architect(s) | William Ford Poulton |
| Style | Lombard Romanesque Revival |
| Years built | 1864–65 |
| Completed | 1865 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 1,500 |
Westminster Chapel is a special kind of Christian church in central London. It's called an evangelical free church. You can find it on Buckingham Gate, close to Buckingham Palace.
This church has been home to many important pastors over the years. Some famous ones include Samuel Martin, G. Campbell Morgan, John Henry Jowett, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and R. T. Kendall.
Contents
History of Westminster Chapel
When Was Westminster Chapel Built?
The church community started in 1840. Their first building was finished in 1841. Soon, more people wanted to join, so they needed a bigger place.
Construction on the current chapel began in 1864. It officially opened its doors on July 6, 1865. This new building could originally seat about 1,500 people. Today, it can hold around 1,000.
Who Were the Famous Pastors?
Westminster Chapel has had several well-known leaders. These pastors helped guide the church for many years. Some of them include:
- Samuel Martin (1842–1878)
- G. Campbell Morgan (1904–1917, and again from 1933–1943)
- John Henry Jowett (1918–1922)
- Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1939–1968)
- R. T. Kendall (1977–2002)
- Greg Haslam (2002–2016)
The chapel started as a Congregational church. Later, under Pastor D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, it joined new groups. These groups were the Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches and the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches.
What Happens at Westminster Chapel?
Sunday Services
Westminster Chapel is an evangelical church. This means they believe in the Bible and sharing their faith. Their Sunday services include worship (singing and prayer) and a biblical sermon (a talk about the Bible).
The church wants to be a "prophetic voice." This means they aim to share important messages for London and beyond. They focus on being led by the Holy Spirit and helping others. Sunday services start at 11 am.
Life Groups and Community
The church has small groups called Life Groups. These groups meet in homes around London. They usually gather on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
Life Groups are a great way to make friends and learn more about faith. There are even special groups just for students. The church sees these groups as key for friendship and sharing their beliefs.
Alpha Course
Westminster Chapel offers a free Alpha course twice a year. This course is a chance to explore big questions about life and faith. It's a relaxed setting, often including dinner, and usually runs on Monday nights.
Helping the Community: Foodbank
Westminster Chapel helps people in need through the Westminster Foodbank. This foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust network. They collect and give out food to families who are struggling.
Support for Students
Many students and young adults (in their twenties) attend Westminster Chapel. The church has a special team dedicated to supporting this age group. They organize events just for students and young adults.
They also host retreats twice a year for students and twenties. These retreats are a chance to relax, connect, and learn together.
Pastors of Westminster Chapel
In 2016, the church announced a new leadership team. Howard Satterthwaite was appointed as the Lead Elder.
Here is a list of the pastors who have served Westminster Chapel:
- 1842–78 Revd Samuel Martin
- 1876–87 Revd Henry Simon
- 1894–95 Revd W. Evans Hurndall
- 1896–1902 Revd Richard Westrope
- 1904–17 Revd G. Campbell Morgan
- 1904–07 Revd Albert Swift (co-pastor)
- 1918–22 Revd John Henry Jowett
- 1923–25 Revd John Hutton
- 1928–33 Revd Hubert Simpson
- 1933–43 Revd G. Campbell Morgan (again)
- 1939–68 Revd D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
- 1969–74 Revd J. Glyn Owen
- 1977–2002 Revd R. T. Kendall
- 2002–16 Revd Greg Haslam
- 2016-23 Revd Howard Satterthwaite
Architecture of the Chapel
The current chapel building was finished in 1865. It was designed by an architect named William Ford Poulton. He used a style called Lombard Romanesque Revival. This style often includes round arches and decorative brickwork.
The building is made of stock brick with some red brick and stone. The front of the chapel on Buckingham Gate has a special look. It has three arches and decorative columns. There's also a tower on the right side. The top part of the tower was added later.
Inside, the main area where people sit is nearly oval. It has two levels of balconies. The chapel can seat about 1,500 people. There is a raised platform at the front for the Communion Table. Beyond that, there is a very large, circular pulpit. This is where the minister gives the sermon. It might be one of the biggest pulpits in any church!
Westminster Chapel is a Grade II Listed building. This means it's an important historical building that needs to be protected.
The Pipe Organ
The chapel has a large pipe organ with four keyboards. It was built by a famous organ-maker named Henry Willis. He was often called "Father Willis." The organ was later fixed and made bigger in the 1920s.
