“A place littered with old graves.” Those words, spoken by a vicar, sparked quite a stir here at Emmanuel Church Forest Gate. This Church of England church stands on the corner of Romford Road and Upton Lane. It is a short walk from Forest Gate Station.
Emmanuel Church has been at the heart of the Forest Gate community since 1852. A new parish was formed for it from parts of All Saints Church, West Ham and St Mary Magdalene’s Church, East Ham. George Gilbert Scott designed it in the Decorated Gothic style.
Initially, the church served a rapidly growing population. In the 1880s, three “daughter” churches sprung from Emmanuel. These were St James, St Saviour’s and All Saints. St Mark’s also began in a humble cattle shed before becoming a church in its own right. Further extensions were added to Emmanuel. This increased its capacity to over 800 by 1891.
However, tensions arose. Disputes between “high church” and “low church” factions caused division. Some members left Emmanuel. They built an “iron church” called Christ Church. Another dissenter built Ridley Hall. The breakaway fizzled out. The iron church was moved to Southampton.
Despite the turmoil, Emmanuel Church continued. In 1929, electricity was installed at a cost of about £250. The 1930s brought another wave of disputes. By the middle of the decade, the congregation had declined significantly.
During World War II, Emmanuel Church suffered bomb damage. The roof was damaged. Windows were blown out. The spire lost its striped tiles. Joost de Blank, a dynamic vicar, served from 1937 to 1940. He later became Archbishop of Cape Town. He became a leading anti-apartheid campaigner.
Post-war, the focus shifted to reconstruction. Central heating was installed in 1949. A declining population led to changes. In 1962, the parishes of Emmanuel and St Peter’s merged. St Peter’s vicarage was sold and demolished. St Peter’s Hall was sold to the local Sikh community. St Peter’s itself was demolished in 1972.
The interior of Emmanuel Church was reshaped in 1980. This took into account the smaller congregation. Further consolidation occurred in 1989. The Forest Gate ministry was established. The churchyard was re-landscaped in 1991.
Today, Emmanuel Church welcomes all. It offers support and fellowship. It hosts Faithful Friends, a forum for understanding other faiths. A breakfast club serves the homeless. The church also sponsors a group for people with mental health issues.
The church was given Grade II listed building status in 1984. Emmanuel Church started meeting in its current location in 1862. Its congregations and activities reflect the diversity of Forest Gate. The church seeks to care for its community. It strives to be welcoming and inclusive.