“A welcoming church with an all-age community” is how Saint Paul’s Church describes itself. But its story goes back much further than that. Saint Paul’s Church began as a mission in 1870. It served the new district of Colney Hatch. The assistant curate of Christ Church Southgate led this mission.
In 1873 Saint Paul’s Church was officially built. It then became a consolidated chapelry. This combined parts of Southgate and Friern Barnet parishes. The vicar of Southgate became the Patron of Saint Paul’s Church. On census Sunday in 1903 church attendance was recorded. There were 206 people in the morning and 265 in the evening.
Saint Paul’s Parish Church embraced a broad approach. It tried to reach worshippers from all liturgical traditions. This included a more Anglo-Catholic style with High Mass in 1914. Before the actual church was built services were held in a temporary building. This building was in Ely Place. The land for the church was likely donated by G. Knights Smith. He was one of the biggest financial supporters.
The foundation stone was laid in 1872. Sir George Gilbert Scott directed the building. The church was built in the Early English style. It was consecrated in 1873. Saint Paul’s Church has a chancel with north and south chapels. It also features a south bell turret and aisled nave. Bombing severely damaged the church in 1944. R. S. Morris restored it by 1957.
Originally a stone vicarage stood opposite Saint Paul’s Church. It was built on Woodland Road between 1878 and 1880. This vicarage was demolished in 1964. A new vicarage was built on churchyard land. It sits west of the church. A parish hall was built north of Saint Paul’s Church in 1908. It was partially rebuilt in 1952.
Today Saint Paul’s Church is located on the corner of Woodland Road and High Road. If you are arriving by train the nearest station is New Southgate. From there you will walk straight to Saint Paul’s Church. If you are arriving by tube the nearest station is Arnos Grove. From there you will walk approximately 10 minutes to Saint Paul’s Church. Saint Paul’s Church is more than just a building. It is a place for prayer quiet reflection and joyful celebration. It is a meeting place for activities for all ages. Saint Paul’s Church has a hall available for use by the wider community.
Saint Paul’s Church offers morning Eucharist every Sunday. The first Sunday of each month is All Age worship. This service focuses on children and young people. Other Sundays include Sunday School except during summer holidays. Newcomers and children are always welcome at Saint Paul’s Church.