Our Lady of Grace and St. Edward’s Church

Gazing upon Our Lady of Grace and St. Edward’s Church, one might initially see just a grand structure. But its walls whisper tales of resilience and rebirth. Our Lady of Grace and St. Edward’s Church sits on Chiswick High Road. It replaced an earlier church built in 1864. The current building opened its doors in 1886, thanks to Cardinal Manning. The parish itself is even older, tracing its roots back to 1848. Our Lady of Grace and St. Edward’s Church isn’t just a standalone entity. It’s connected to other churches, St. Joseph’s and St. Dunstan’s, forming a network of faith in the community. The church’s design is a testament to the vision of architects Kelly & Birchall. They chose the Italian Renaissance style, crafting a building that stands out with its red brick facade and terracotta details. Look closely and you’ll see the craftsmanship in the moulded and rubbed brick ornamentation. The original plans included a more ornate bell-tower. Yet, the existing one, added in 1930 by Giles Gilbert Scott, still commands attention with its yellow-brown brick. Tragedy struck in 1944 when a bomb damaged the east wall. But like a phoenix from the ashes, the church was restored in 1953. Donald Plaskett Marshall oversaw the restoration, adding a porch and baptistery. The interior of Our Lady of Grace and St. Edward’s Church is equally captivating. White walls contrast with a red ceiling, adorned with gold ornamentation. The ceiling, divided into rectangular coffers, adds a sense of grandeur. The nave and chancel share the same width and height, separated by a high round arch. Corinthian columns stand proudly, separating the nave from the lower aisles. Our Lady of Grace and St. Edward’s Church stands as a testament to enduring faith and community spirit. It has witnessed history unfold, faced adversity, and emerged stronger each time. It invites you to explore its rich past and become a part of its ongoing story.