Might the walls of Saint Mary’s Parish Church whisper tales of survival and transformation? This is Saint Mary’s Parish Church in Islington. It is more than just a building. It stands as a testament to Islington’s history. Saint Mary’s has witnessed centuries of change. Its story is interwoven with the lives of notable figures and pivotal moments in London’s past.
The first Saint Mary’s Church was erected in the 12th century. A replacement building followed in the 15th century. John Farley is mentioned as vicar of Iseldon in 1446. Edward Vaughan served as vicar before becoming Bishop of St David’s in 1509. Robert Browne lectured at Saint Mary’s. He authored the founding principles of Congregationalism.
John Webster married his pregnant second wife at Saint Mary’s in 1606. William Cave became vicar in 1662. He held the office until 1689. Charles Wesley was invited to take charge of the parish in 1738. However, he did not possess a license from the Bishop of London. Wesley’s preaching became unpopular. He and George Whitefield were expelled from the pulpit.
Saint Mary’s fell into a very ruinous condition. The Islington Church Act of 1750 enabled its rebuilding. Lancelot Dowbiggin designed the new building. It was consecrated in 1754. Philip Quaque was baptized at Saint Mary’s in 1759. He became the first black African ordained as a priest in the Church of England. Richard Smith purchased the advowson for Saint Mary in 1771.
Daniel Wilson served as vicar from 1824 until 1832. He became Bishop of Calcutta. He founded the Lord’s Day Observance Society in 1831. The Islington Clerical Conference ran from 1827 to 1983. It was founded by Daniel Wilson. Samuel Ajayi Crowther studied at Saint Mary’s school in 1826. He became the first African Bishop in Nigeria. William Hagger Barlow built the Bishop Wilson Memorial Hall.
A Portland stone portico was built at the west door in 1904. Reginald Blomfield designed it. It includes a relief of the Nativity. Donald Coggan served as curate from 1934 to 1937. David Sheppard played cricket for England. He was an assistant curate at Islington from 1955 to 1957.
A bomb destroyed most of Saint Mary’s in 1940. Only the tower and spire remained. The church was rebuilt and dedicated in 1956. John Seely and Paul Paget created a space for evangelical worship. Brian Thomas created murals for the east and west ends. The original lectern, font and Royal Arms survived the bombing. George Carey became curate in 1962. He made connections with local council departments.
The first Asian Christian Church in the UK started at Saint Mary’s in 1967. Revd Daniel Gill became the first Pakistani minister to lead an Urdu service. Graham Kings founded Fulcrum in 2003. It seeks to renew the evangelical tradition. From the 1990s Saint Mary’s retained a concern to serve the widening range of people in the locality.
Today Saint Mary’s stands as a beacon of faith and community. It offers worship services most days of the week. The church’s story reflects Islington’s evolving identity. It is a place where history and spirituality converge. Saint Mary’s welcomes all who seek solace and connection.