The green copper dome of St Joseph’s Church in Highgate pierces the sky above. It’s a magnificent sight, standing sentinel over the bustling streets below. St Joseph’s Church is a landmark in the London Borough of Islington, built in 1889 to commemorate the Jubilee of Pope Leo XIII. The Passionist Fathers, a Catholic order, founded this church in 1858, after converting the Old Black Dog Inn into a chapel.
In 1861, a small church built by John Bird of Hammersmith was completed. The present church replaced it, and its grand design can be attributed to Albert Vicars, a skilled architect. You might be surprised, but the church actually faces northeast, however, the description uses traditional liturgical orientation. This architectural flourish gives it an almost medieval look. St Joseph’s Retreat, the home for the Passionist community, stands proudly next to the church.
The inside of the church is just as impressive, boasting a beautiful painted ceiling by Nathaniel Westlake. He was an artist who specialized in stained glass and decorative art. His work is a symphony of color and detail, depicting angels carrying verses from the Te Deum. There are also stained glass windows that capture the beauty of the Holy Family and the Crucifixion. The church’s high altar is under a canopy made of Sicilian marble. The mosaic pavement, from rocks found at the bed of the River Severn, adds a touch of the natural world to the church.
The church is rich with history. St Joseph’s Church and St Joseph’s Retreat are both Grade II listed buildings. You’re standing in a historic place that has witnessed centuries of change and remains a beacon of faith and beauty in the heart of London.