Gothic grandeur meets London history here at the Catholic Apostolic Church. This church stands as a testament to a unique religious movement. Let’s uncover its story.
The Catholic Apostolic Church emerged in England in the early 1830s. It was founded with the aim of restoring the original twelve apostles. They anticipated the second coming of Christ. The church sought to revive what they believed were lost apostolic beliefs.
Early leaders included Henry Drummond. He was a wealthy London banker and politician. John Bate Cardale was also a key figure. Edward Irving, a preacher, also influenced the church. Members were sometimes called “Irvingites”. However, they often resented this name.
The Catholic Apostolic Church developed an elaborate liturgy. It drew from Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions. Over time, ceremonial aspects became more pronounced. The church had a fourfold ministry. This included apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors. Each congregation was led by an “angel in charge.”
The church believed in appointing twelve Apostles. Each apostle would oversee a “tribe” in a different global region. They believed the millennium was coming soon. Therefore, they did not plan for replacing deceased Apostles.
Here in London, the Gordon Square church became the most important of the Catholic Apostolic Church’s seven churches. Its location was originally intended for residential buildings. Thomas Cubitt, a builder, had difficulty selling properties here. The Bedford Estate allowed the construction of public buildings to complete Gordon Square.
The Catholic Apostolic Church was built between 1851 and 1854. Christopher Haedy, the Bedford Estate’s agent, admired its magnificence. The initial building cost was estimated at £13,000. The money ran out before completion.
The tower was left unfinished. The west end was built of brick instead of Bath stone. There was hope to complete the building according to the original design. The design mirrored the proportions of Westminster Abbey. But it never happened.
In 1901, Francis Woodhouse, the last Apostle, died. The church entered a “time of silence.” Religious services continued but sacraments could not be given. The church ceased to function fully in England.
This Catholic Apostolic Church is a Grade I listed building since 1954. It later became the base for the University of London’s Anglican chaplaincy in 1963. It remained in this role until 1992. By 2005, it became the headquarters for the Anglican Forward in Faith movement.
Though services continued for some time, the Catholic Apostolic Church eventually went into abeyance after the death of the last of its Apostles. Today, the building stands as a reminder of this unique chapter in religious history. Its architecture and history continue to inspire. The Catholic Apostolic Church serves as a landmark in London’s religious landscape.