Haven’t you ever wondered how a star can become a church? Today we are standing in front of St Richard’s Church. It is an Anglican church found on Ashburnham Road in Ham. Ham is part of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. St Richard’s Church was founded in 1964. This church is dedicated to St Richard of Chichester.
The land St Richard’s Church sits on was donated by Wates. This was a construction company involved in a large housing project. Norman Wates laid the foundation stone on 19 September 1964. During construction the rapidly growing congregation met in a Wates workmen’s hut.
Ralph Covell designed St Richard’s Church. His design was inspired by the six-pointed Star of David. This created a hexagonal worship space. The design brought the congregation and clergy closer together. This arrangement was encouraged by the Second Vatican Council. The roof consists of alternating hyperbolic paraboloid shells and pyramidal structures.
The triangular points of the star serve different functions. Moving clockwise from the east, they include the entrance. There is also a lady chapel and the Nash Room. Other points house the vestry, kitchen and children’s area.
Henry Haig designed the fourteen stained glass windows. He taught at Kingston School of Art. Haig also painted the sacristy doors. He created the original processional cross. The windows and paintings feature non-figurative designs. These designs draw inspiration from the life and work of St Richard.
Behind the altar, one window depicts St Richard’s chalice. Another shows the miracle of the fishes. Further windows represent St Richard’s gentleness and humor. The ruling bishop’s mitre appears in another panel. Three panels show St Richard’s power and strength. The central one represents Henry III’s initial suppression. Another panel depicts St Richard’s miracle at Candlemas. Two represent St Richard as the gardener and plant growth. One depicts birth. The pair flanking the entrance represent St Richard’s death. One shows hands pressing on the chalice releasing the soul. The other displays gifts left at the tomb.
The church organ was originally made around 1900. Bevington and Sons of London created it. N. P. Mander Ltd rebuilt it in the church in 1965. It features a tracker organ. It has an electric blower, a single manual keyboard, a small pedal keyboard and nine stops.
On 20 May 1966, the Right Reverend Mervyn Stockwood consecrated the church. He was the Bishop of Southwark at the time. The church was dedicated to St Richard of Chichester.
In 1998, the kitchen and facilities for disabled people were improved. In 2003, the children’s area was developed. Folding screens and a mural were added. Local young people constructed a large wooden cross. It stands on the mound outside the church since 2006.
St Richard’s Church was listed as Grade II in February 2024.
A Parish Communion service takes place every Sunday at 10 am. Afterward, tea and coffee are served. A Said Communion is held on Tuesdays at 10 am.
St Richard’s Church has close ties with the adjacent St Richard’s CE Primary School. The school uses the church for assemblies and other activities. Various community groups also use the church space. These include a play group, a choir and a martial arts group.
So next time you look at a star think of St Richard’s Church. It is where faith and community shine brightly. It is a testament to innovative design and enduring spirit.