Fancy stepping into a church with a story of transformation? That’s St Hugh Bermondsey. It stands as a testament to community spirit and architectural innovation. St Hugh’s history is quite interesting.
Founded in 1896, St Hugh’s began as part of the Charterhouse-in-Southwark Mission Settlement. The mission aimed to provide social, educational, and skills-training opportunities. These were meant for local young people. The Missioner was usually a young Anglo-Catholic priest. The church retained vestiges of its high-church past in high Victorian style.
Fast forward to 2009, the Trustees who owned the building decided to sell. The church was in the basement. They became a grant-making charity supporting other service providers. The old church was demolished in 2011. But the story doesn’t end there.
In December 2013, the Bishop of Southwark dedicated a stunning new church building. It also included a community space. Now, the congregation is happily settled in this new space. No longer hidden in a damp basement, St Hugh’s is now visible at pavement level. Its glazed walls welcome people.
As you enter, you’ll first encounter the Rainbow Room. This is a space for community activities. It includes a kitchen and toilets. Glazed double doors then invite you into the beautiful church itself.
The new building incorporates some features of the old church. This retains some continuity with the past. Six stained-glass windows from the Clayton & Bell studio have been cleaned and restored. These windows depict two images of Jesus. One shows Good Friday and one shows Easter Day. Four mighty Archangels are also depicted. These are mounted in the windows of the new building.
Also, five panels by Adam Boulter from 2001 were added. They are titled Spirituality in the Wilderness. They show images from five world faiths. St Hugh’s is the partner church of Southwark Cathedral. It serves as the Anglican parish church for West Bermondsey. This is within the Anglican Diocese of Southwark.
The congregation meets for worship on Sundays at 9.30 am. The modern church is next to Guy’s Hospital. St Hugh’s welcomes a joyful congregation from many backgrounds and communities. The Rainbow Room hosts many community-based activities. These are for families, children, young people, and older people. It is also available for meetings, events, and children’s parties.
Alan Palmer is the Operations Manager at St Hugh’s. He is responsible for the smooth running of the building. Ola Mustapha is the parish Treasurer. She is responsible with the PCC for the parish finances.
St Hugh’s stands as a beacon of faith and community. It continues to evolve while honoring its past. It’s a place where everyone is welcome. It’s a place where community thrives. St Hugh Bermondsey is more than just a church. It is a vibrant hub for West Bermondsey.