Upon this very spot stands the Sacred Heart a testament to faith and generosity. This magnificent church wasn’t built overnight. Its story begins with Edith Arendrup a member of the wealthy Courtauld family. She arrived in Wimbledon in 1877. At that time few Catholics lived in the area. She convinced the Jesuits at Roehampton to hold Mass at her house. This temporary arrangement lasted seven years. Then Edith commissioned the construction of a larger church.
The Sacred Heart wasn’t merely erected it was a labor of love spanning fourteen years. Construction began on June 17 1887. This date marks the Feast of the Sacred Heart a fitting dedication. The nave opened first. The sanctuary and south aisle followed in 1895. Then the back chapels were completed in 1896. The north aisle and sacristy opened in 1898. Finally the west front was finished in 1901. The original plan included a large tower. However funds ran dry. It was replaced by twin turrets and a stunning traceried window.
A monument dedicated to Edith Arendrup graces 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.” Edith’s generosity didn’t end there. Caroline Currie another wealthy widow became a benefactor in 1898. She funded the north aisle. She also paid for a chapel dedicated to St Ignatius the founder of the Jesuits. The chapel contains a medallion of Mrs Currie who died in 1902.
The Sacred Heart wasn’t just a building it became a hub for the community. It sits next to Wimbledon College and Donhead School for boys. The Ursuline High School and Ursuline Preparatory School for girls are also nearby. These schools use the church for masses throughout the school year. The parish hosts various groups. There is a Christian Life Community association. This fosters Ignatian spirituality. A social justice group promotes fair trade and raises awareness of social issues.
The Jesuits managed the Sacred Heart for over 130 years. In 2012 they announced they would no longer directly administer the church. In 2014 the Archdiocese of Southwark took over. The Sacred Heart however maintains its strong ties with the Society of Jesus and the neighboring schools. The Sacred Heart continues to be a vital part of the Wimbledon community a vibrant testament to faith and enduring generosity.