Didn’t Edith Arendrup possess extraordinary Christian vision? It led to the creation of this parish. It also led to the building of the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart. We stand before a testament to faith and architectural ambition. This is the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart.
The Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart’s story began with Edith Arendrup. She was a member of the wealthy Courtauld family. Edith moved to Wimbledon in 1877. She saw few Catholics and wanted to change that. Edith convinced the Jesuits at Roehampton to start a Mass-centre. It was at her house in Cottenham Park.
Seven years later, she commissioned a large church. It was to be in a prominent position on Edge Hill. Frederick Walters designed the Grade II* listed building. He was a young architect. Walters designed it in the late Decorated Gothic style. This style is also known as Gothic Revival.
Construction of the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart took fourteen years. The nave opened on June 17, 1887, the feast of the Sacred Heart. The sanctuary and south aisle were completed in 1895. The back chapels followed in 1896. In 1898, the north aisle and sacristy were added. The west front was finally completed in 1901.
The original plan included a large tower on the west front. Money ran out. Twin turrets and a massive traceried window replaced it. 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 was the wealthy widow of banker Bertram Wodehouse Currie. Caroline paid for the north aisle. She also funded a chapel dedicated to St. Ignatius. He was the founder of the Jesuits. The chapel holds a medallion of Mrs. Currie. She died in 1902.
The Jesuits built another church within the parish in 1905. It was St Winefride Church. It accommodated the growing congregation in South Wimbledon. A Mass centre opened in Wimbledon Park in 1913. The Jesuits built Christ the King Church in that area in 1926. It was finished in 1928.
The Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart was re-ordered in 1990. David John designed a new high altar. It includes a bronze reliquary. It contains relics of Roman and English martyrs. These include Saints Thomas More and Saint Edmund Campion. Austin Winkley designed the tiled floor. Bishop Tripp dedicated the altar on June 22, 1990.
In 2007 and 2008, the church halls were refurbished. Access was improved and a new youth room was added. The Jesuits handed over administration to the Archdiocese of Southwark on January 10, 2014. They had served the parish for over 130 years.
The Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart maintains close ties with local schools. These include Wimbledon College, Donhead School, Ursuline High School, and Ursuline Preparatory School. The schools often use the church for masses.
The parish centre hosts many groups. A local Christian Life Community fosters Ignatian spirituality. A social justice group promotes fair trade and raises awareness of social issues.
Jesuit Missions, a development and mission-based charity, was once led by Tony Montfort for 40 years. It remains nearby after the Jesuits handed over the parish. It raises funds for developing countries. It also shares news about overseas Jesuits and missionaries.
The Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart stands as a beacon. It is a place of worship and a testament to faith. It also embodies architectural beauty. Its history is rich with the contributions of visionary people. Their generosity shaped this vibrant parish.