Standing here before the Sacred Heart of Jesus, imagine a Wimbledon far different from today. It was a time when Catholics were few. Edith Arendrup, a Courtauld family member, arrived in 1877.
Edith persuaded the Jesuits of Roehampton to start a Mass-centre. It was at her house in Cottenham Park. Only seven years later, she wanted a large church. It would sit prominently on Edge Hill’s slopes.
Frederick Walters was a young architect. Edith commissioned him to design it. He chose the late Decorated Gothic style.
The nave opened on the Sacred Heart feast day in 1887. The building continued for fourteen years. The sanctuary and south aisle were complete by 1895. The back chapels followed in 1896. In 1898, the north aisle and sacristy were finished. The west front was complete in 1901.
Originally, there was a plan for a large tower. Money ran out. Twin turrets replaced it. A massive traceried window also featured. A monument to Edith Arendrup stands on the south wall. It reads, “It was through her Christian vision that this parish of the Sacred Heart came into being; it was through her generosity the church was built.”
Caroline Currie became a benefactor in 1898. She paid for the north aisle. She also funded a chapel. It was dedicated to St Ignatius, the Jesuit founder. Mrs. Currie died in 1902.
By the turn of the century, construction was mostly complete. However, the Sacred Heart was not consecrated until 1931. Bishop Peter Amigo of Southwark celebrated the service.
The church could accommodate 800 people. Wimbledon’s Catholic population grew. This was due to Wimbledon College. The Ursuline Convent also contributed.
Two satellite churches opened in South Wimbledon. The Jesuits opened St Winefride’s in 1905. St Austin’s, later Christ the King, opened in Wimbledon Park in 1913. A Mass centre was established in Merton in 1938.
After World War II, the Jesuits gave up the satellite churches. Control passed to the Archdiocese of Southwark.
A parish hall for the Sacred Heart opened in 1962. The new presbytery was finished in 1982. Jesuit Missions moved into the parish in 1961.
In 1990, the church was re-ordered. A new high altar was installed. It was designed by David John. The tiled floor was designed by Austin Winkley.
The Sacred Heart remains a large Catholic parish. It maintains close ties with the Society of Jesus. It also stays connected with Wimbledon College. Donhead Preparatory School is also a close partner.
The story of the Sacred Heart is one of faith. It’s a testament to the generosity of individuals. Their vision shaped this parish. It continues to serve the community today.