“Large raw red basilica” is how one person described Acton Green Church. That’s quite a description isn’t it? Today we will delve into the story of Acton Green Church also known as St Alban’s Church.
Acton Green Church stands on South Parade in Chiswick. It is a testament to Victorian architecture and community resilience. Designed by Edward Monson Jr the church opened in 1888. It quickly became a landmark in the Acton Green Conservation Area.
Its neo-Gothic style features red brick and stone. The slate roof is steeply pitched. Interestingly it lacks a tower or belfry. Nikolaus Pevsner called it a “large raw red basilica”. Ealing Council appreciates its imposing architecture. The church significantly enhances the streetscape.
Originally the church was intended to seat 750 people. It included north and south aisles. Later in 1908 a north chapel was added. The Bishop of London was a patron of Acton Green Church. The Church Building Society contributed £175 towards its construction. Rev Manbey was confirmed as vicar in August 1888.
Three stained glass windows are by Frederick Hamilton Jackson. One is titled Jesus and the Doctors. Blanche Rose Harper dedicated it in 1888.
There used to be a green corrugated iron building south of the church. This was a “tin tabernacle”. All Saints South Acton used it for mission services until 1938. The Caterpillar Montessori nursery school is now located there.
In 1909 Miss Gladys Cowper and Captain Guy Maxwell Shipway married here. The theologian W. O. E. Oesterley served as vicar in the 1920s.
Unfortunately the congregation declined. The church closed in 2007. Developers sought to convert it into flats in 2011. The community opposed this. A public inquiry occurred in 2013. The application was rejected. The inspector said it would be a loss to the community.
In 2014 Acton Green Church returned to active use. It became part of the Christ Church W4 ministry. The building was renovated. Solar panels were added to the roof. A new heating system was installed. Nest boxes for swifts were included. New kitchen and toilet facilities were created. In 2016 the Bishop of London rededicated the church.
The dedication stone is quite informative. It states that E. Montague Nelson laid it on 18 October 1887. It also credits Rev. George Henley Manbey, Edward Monson Jr and Joseph Dorey.
The church’s history is intertwined with the community. It faced closure. It was revived by community action. Today Acton Green Church continues to serve. Its imposing architecture is a testament to faith and perseverance. Its rededication symbolizes renewal. It shows the enduring spirit of Acton Green.