Here stands Hornsey Moravian Church a testament to faith. It is a slice of history in Priory Road. Have you ever wondered how this red brick building came to be? Let’s step back to the early 20th century. The Moravian Church in London sought to expand its reach. Members who lived far from Fetter Lane found it hard to attend services. Travel was expensive. Many conscientiously objected to Sunday travel. A solution was needed.
A meeting occurred on March 3 1907. The Fetter Lane Congregation gathered to discuss an extension. Should they move north or south of London? The decision was clear. A large number of members lived in the north. It was enough to start a new congregation.
The foundation stone laying occurred on December 7. Dr Brackenbury laid it. He was Chairman of the Hornsey Education Committee. The ceremony was held in what would become the nave. Rev H.P. Mumford spoke. He noted the church was not new to London. For over 150 years Moravians had met in Fetter Lane. Important figures had connections there. John and Charles Wesley were among them. Parliament had acknowledged it as an ancient Protestant Episcopal Church in 1749.
The Hornsey Moravian Church opening took place on September 24 1908. The dedication service began at 3 o’clock. It lasted about an hour. Bishop E.R. Hassé said the occasion was not for many words. They were there to dedicate the house to God. Bishop Hassé consecrated the church. Bishop Asmussen preached the sermon. His text came from 2 Corinthians 4:5. It said “We preach not ourselves but Christ Jesus the Lord”.
The first Sunday service was on September 27. Many members and visitors attended. Rev C.J. Klesel directed the choir. They led the singing. They gave a beautiful rendering of Jackson’s Te Deum. Bishop Asmussen preached about God’s family on earth and in Heaven. The first Communion in the new church was celebrated. Rev H.P. Mumford officiated.
A new church hall became the highlight of the 1930s. A grant of £1000 came from Provincial funds. Enough money was raised by the end of 1938. A plan was drawn up. It satisfied the congregation and the Hornsey Borough Council. A farewell was said to the old building on February 11 1939. The official opening was planned for October 26. Sadly World War II broke out. The congregation could not use it for six and a half years.
In 1960 Rev Spencer visited Stoke Newington. He sought out Moravian brethren and sisters from the West Indies. They gradually came to Hornsey for Sunday services. The Church Committee arranged tea. These occasions helped them feel at home. Weddings and infant baptisms followed. This outreach enriched the congregation. It continues to do so.
Hornsey Moravian Church stands as a testament. Its red brick and Monk Stone dressings are beautiful. The corner turret and spire add charm. W.D. Church & Son designed it. The church has seating for about 270. The adjacent hall was rebuilt in the 1930s. The first major alterations were planned in 1976. Hornsey Moravian Church continues its mission. It serves the community as it has for over a century. It is a place of worship and a landmark. It is located in the heart of Hornsey.