Saint Antony’s Church

Gazing up at Saint Antony’s Church, a sense of awe washes over you. It’s as if the very stones whisper tales of centuries past. Saint Antony’s Church stands proudly on Upton Avenue. It has served the community for generations. Originally built in the late 1880s, this grand structure was designed by the renowned architectural firm, Pugin & Pugin. Saint Antony’s was conceived as the abbey church for the Franciscan Friary. The church served a large and diverse parish. Initially, the congregation consisted primarily of Irish immigrants and European Catholics. Today, Saint Antony’s embraces over 100 nationalities. It stands as a testament to the unifying power of faith. The church boasts a rich history intertwined with the Franciscan order. The friary, once home to 50 priests, brothers, and students, played a vital role in the local community. The priests not only served the Forest Gate parish. They also provided support to other churches in East London and outer Essex. The scale of Saint Antony’s Church is impressive. Built in the Neo-Gothic style, it reflects Pugin’s distinctive architectural influence. The church’s interior has undergone significant changes over the years. A major re-ordering in the 1960s altered the original Gothic revival features. A restoration project is underway to revitalize the church’s interior and reclaim some of its lost splendor. The restoration has already unveiled hidden treasures. The removal of a false screen in the sanctuary revealed original stonework and two scenes from the life of St. Antony. While a central statue of St. Antony is missing, there is hope for its eventual replacement. The restoration of Saint Antony’s Church is not just about preserving a building. It’s about honoring a legacy of faith, community, and architectural brilliance.