Imagine Edith Arendrup’s vision. It was through her Christian vision that the parish of the Sacred Heart came into being. It was through her generosity that the Church of the Most Sacred Heart was built.
The Church of the Most Sacred Heart stands as a testament to faith. It also represents architectural ambition. Let’s explore its history. The story of the Church of the Most Sacred Heart begins with Edith Arendrup. She was a member of the wealthy Courtauld family. Edith moved to Wimbledon in 1877. At that time few Catholics lived in the area. She persuaded the Jesuits at Roehampton to start a Mass-centre at her house. This was in Cottenham Park.
Seven years later Edith 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. He designed it in the late Decorated Gothic style.
The nave of the Church of the Most Sacred Heart opened on June 17 1887. This was the feast of the Sacred Heart. Construction continued for fourteen years. The sanctuary and south aisle were completed first in 1895. Next were the back chapels in 1896. The north aisle and sacristy followed in 1898. Finally the west front was 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.”
From 1898 Caroline Currie became a benefactor of the Church of the Most Sacred Heart. She was the wealthy widow of banker Bertram Wodehouse Currie. She paid for the north aisle. She also paid for a chapel dedicated to St Ignatius. He was the founder of the Jesuits. She also paid for the baptistery. The St Ignatius chapel contains a medallion of Mrs Currie. She died in 1902.
In 1905 St Winefride Church was built within the parish. The Jesuits built it. This accommodated the congregation in South Wimbledon. By 1913 the parish needed to expand again. A Mass centre was set up in Wimbledon Park. In 1926 the Jesuits built Christ the King Church in the area. It was finished in 1928.
In 1990 the Church of the Most Sacred Heart was re-ordered. A new high altar was installed. David John designed it. He also designed the bronze reliquary underneath. 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. He was an Auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Southwark. The dedication took place on the feast of the Sacred Heart. It was June 22 1990.
In 2007 and 2008 the church halls were refurbished. Access was improved. A new youth room was added. On November 17 2012 the Jesuits announced that they would no longer administer the church directly. They had served the parish for over 130 years. On January 10 2014 the Archdiocese of Southwark took over. They continue to administer the parish.
The Church of the Most Sacred Heart stands next to Wimbledon College and Donhead School for boys. Both schools are served by the Jesuits. It is also near Ursuline High School and Ursuline Preparatory School for girls. The Ursulines serve these schools. All enjoy a close relationship with the parish. The schools use the church for various masses throughout the school year.
The parish hosts many groups within its parish centre. It has a local Christian Life Community association. This ministers to the spiritual needs of the parish. It garners interest in Ignatian spirituality. It also has a social justice group. This promotes fair trade products. It raises awareness of social issues.
The Church of the Most Sacred Heart has a rich history. It also shows a vibrant community. It is a place of worship for over a century. It welcomes all to explore discover and visit. As you leave take a moment to reflect on the enduring legacy of faith. Consider also the community that continues to thrive within these walls.