Gaudiesque concrete facade and stained glass beckon. Today we explore Christ Church and Upton Chapel. This place holds a unique story of faith. It is a resilient spirit amidst war and change.
Christ Church and Upton Chapel stands on Kennington Road in Lambeth. It is not just one church but a union of two. Their individual stories intertwine to create its identity.
Originally, there was Christ Church, Lambeth. Rev Dr Christopher Newman Hall founded it in 1876. It served as a Congregational chapel on Westminster Bridge Road. Many members came from Surrey Chapel. The church was part of a new mission complex. This included the Lincoln Tower and Hawkstone Hall. F. B. Meyer took over after Newman Hall retired.
Separately, the Upton Baptist Chapel served its community. James Upton, its first preacher, inspired its name. The chapel’s origins trace back to 1785. A house in Burrell Street hosted their early meetings. They rebuilt in 1801. In 1862, a new chapel was built in Barkham Terrace.
World War II brought destruction. Bombing significantly damaged both Christ Church and Upton Chapel. Only the Lincoln Memorial Tower of Christ Church remained standing. Upton Chapel faced demolition in 1952.
In the late 1950s, a new vision emerged. The congregations of both churches united. They formed Christ Church and Upton Chapel. P J Darvall designed the new chapel. It was built as part of a 1960s office block. This structure integrated the Lincoln Tower.
The tower has a story. It was built with donations from the USA. This recognized a Lambeth clergyman’s support for the Union in the Civil War. If you look closely, the stars and stripes motif are in the spire’s stonework.
Christ Church and Upton Chapel became part of the Oasis Trust in 2003. It was renamed Church.co.uk, Waterloo. In 2013 to 2014, the site transformed. It became Oasis Academy Southbank. The chapel became a sports hall.
Inside the chapel, a plaque once resided. It dated back to 1894. It honored Rowland Hill. He preached his first sermon in Surrey Chapel in 1783. James Sherman succeeded him. Newman Hall followed until 1876.
A foundation stone tells of the rebuilding. It notes P. J. Darvall as the architect and Rev. P. Saunders as minister. J. Rider Smith laid the stone in 1959.
Today, Christ Church and Upton Chapel stands. It is a testament to faith, resilience, and community spirit. It reminds us that even amidst destruction, new beginnings can emerge.