“Come worship with us” welcomes visitors to the Holy Innocents’ Catholic Church. But have you ever wondered about the story behind this house of faith? Let’s step back in time and uncover the history of Holy Innocents’ Catholic Church in London.
In Victorian times church attendance was a central part of family life. Churches needed to be large. They accommodated growing populations. The parish church of St John the Evangelist on Glenthorne Road was consecrated in 1859. By 1890 the parish population had ballooned to 20000. This was far too many people for the existing church.
To address this overcrowding the Revd W Allen Whitworth built a mission room on Dalling Road in 1876. This mission room primarily served children’s services. The plan was to use it for ten years. Then they would form a separate district. This district would replace the temporary building with a permanent church. This permanent church would be Holy Innocents’ Catholic Church.
The Revd Henry Cullen Eden took over in 1885. He started raising funds for the new church. The Duchess of Westminster laid the foundation stone on July 20th 1889. The first part of Holy Innocents’ Catholic Church opened for services on September 25th 1890. It was consecrated on March 7th 1891 by the Bishop of London, Dr Temple. He later became the Archbishop of Canterbury. The west wing was finished in 1903. The Bishop of Kensington dedicated it.
Mr James Brooks designed the Holy Innocents’ Catholic Church. He was a distinguished architect of the Catholic Revival. The church style is Early English. It could hold 1200 people. Holy Innocents’ Catholic Church was described as a fine example of simple and solid work. It created its effect through massive construction and picturesque outlines. It achieved this without decorative detail.
Today Holy Innocents’ Catholic Church continues to welcome everyone. Regular Sunday services include a Holy Eucharist at 8.30am and a Parish Eucharist at 10.10am. Special services occur throughout the year. The Church of The Holy Innocents is an open and inclusive church in Hammersmith. You can find it on Paddenswick Road near Ravenscourt Park station. So next time you pass by remember the rich history and welcoming spirit of Holy Innocents’ Catholic Church.