Is this heaven? No, it’s simply the magnificent Our Lady Help of Christians RC Church standing proudly before you. This church, steeped in history, has graced Kentish Town since 1979. But its story begins long before, echoing the growth of Catholicism in this corner of London. Our Lady Help of Christians wasn’t always on Lady Margaret Road. Imagine a time when the Angelus bells first tolled in Kentish Town in 1847. It was thanks to Father Hardinge Ivers, a colorful character who dared to establish the first Catholic presence here. His initial chapel, St. Alexis, paved the way for a Catholic community that would flourish. Through temporary chapels and grand designs, the community’s spirit persevered, eventually leading to the grand Fortess Road Church in 1859. This stunning structure, designed by E.W. Pugin, son of the renowned architect behind the Houses of Parliament, served the community for over a century. However, the Catholic community outgrew even this grand edifice. In a twist of fate, a deal was struck with the local Methodists, resulting in the Our Lady Help of Christians we see today. Consecrated by Cardinal Basil Hume in 1979, this church, once a “Methodist Cathedral,” stands as a testament to both change and enduring faith. As you stand before Our Lady Help of Christians, let its story remind you that faith, much like this resilient community, has the remarkable power to adapt, evolve, and thrive in the most unexpected ways.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to