Surely, these walls of Streatham Methodist Church could tell tales. This church has a story woven through time and community. Let’s step back to the 1880s. Methodism was gaining ground in Streatham. The Wesleyan Methodist Church appeared on Streatham High Road. Now Sports Direct occupies that very spot.
That original church was grand. It was built in 1882 in the gothic revival style. The Wesleyan society in Brixton Hill initiated it. Back then Methodism was divided into smaller groups after Wesley’s death. The Streatham society also created a Mission Hall on Blegborough Road. It was in West Streatham. Today it is part of Wandsworth. That Mission Hall became its own society. It closed in the 1950s.
Meanwhile in the 1880s the United Methodists also started a society in Streatham. They built a church on Riggindale Road in 1887. That first building is now the Church Hall. The current Church Sanctuary was built later. It opened in 1901. It is now a grade 11 listed building. Wheeler and Speed designed it in Art and Craft Gothic style.
Its ceiling was quite the feat. It was the widest barrel-vaulted ceiling of its time. Even the organ had special origins. The same builder who installed the organ at Liverpool Cathedral built this one.
Notice the airy interior. It is lit by windows. Many are decorated with stained or painted glass. The earliest windows are dedicated to the Essex family. They were a prominent local family in Streatham in the early 20th century.
In the 1930s the Methodist denominations united. They formed the Methodist Church of Great Britain. The three churches in Streatham became part of the same family. World War II brought hardship. The High Road Church suffered serious damage. Services moved to the Hall. Repairs happened in the 1950s. The Riggindale Road Church was also damaged. Its activities were reduced.
By the 1960s maintaining two churches so close was difficult. A careful review led to a decision. The High Road Church closed in 1966. The Riggindale Road Church became Streatham Methodist Church. Proceeds from the sale allowed for renovations. Windows from the High Road church were integrated here. They serve as a lasting memorial.
Since then the congregation has changed. It has grown and shrunk like many traditional churches. Today it is multicultural. Members come from the UK, the Caribbean and West Africa. People from Europe and the Indian Subcontinent are also here. Membership is growing again. Though small the members are in good spirits.
The Hall, small Chapel and downstairs rooms were recently refurbished. There are plans for a more accessible entrance. The church supports the local Circuit. It is a proud member of South London Citizens. It takes pride in being the custodian of this special building.
Many local groups use this space. The 4th Streatham Sea Scouts meet here. A Table Tennis Club plays here. Two other church congregations use the building. Even a new Montessori Nursery operates here. There is a weekly Bible Study. There is also a monthly women’s fellowship and a men’s fellowship.
Streatham Methodist Church stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of community. It embodies the motto “Where God Guides He Provides”.