Pause for a moment amidst the hustle of Heathrow. Here stands St. George’s Interdenominational Chapel. This chapel offers a haven of peace for travelers and airport staff. It has been a quiet place for prayer and reflection for over 50 years.
St. George’s Interdenominational Chapel was dedicated on October 11, 1968. It was established as an Ecumenical Christian Chapel. Before its construction, clergy from local parishes pioneered chaplaincy work. The British Airports Authority provided the site. Funding came from the Church of England, Roman Catholic, and Free Churches.
Jack Forrest of Frederick Gibberd and Partners designed the chapel. His challenge was to create an ecumenical space. It needed to accommodate Christian traditions. It also needed to be a haven of peace. The design is a vaulted crypt reminiscent of early Christian churches. Its underground setting isolates it from the airport noise.
Originally, the three apses were for different denominations. In 1972, the main altar was rededicated for shared ecumenical use. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, and the Moderator of the Free Church Federal Council officiated. The other apses now hold the Blessed Sacrament and a baptismal font. The tabernacle has separate compartments for Anglican and Roman Catholic traditions.
St. George’s Interdenominational Chapel is licensed for worship. It is registered under the Places of Worship Registration Act 1855. In 1979, it was licensed for solemnizing marriages.
Regular services occur at St. George’s Interdenominational Chapel. It functions as a community church. Other sacraments and services are held by request. Everyone is welcome to attend the public services.
Outside St. George’s Interdenominational Chapel, you will find the Memorial Garden. A 16-foot oak cross dominates the garden. It provides a place for rest and refreshment. Memorial plaques for late members of the airport community adorn the walls. A multifaith prayer room opened in 1998 on the opposite side of the garden.
The Heathrow Chaplaincy Team includes Christian chaplains. They represent Anglican, Catholic, and Free Church denominations. Representatives from Muslim, Jewish, and other faiths are also included. The chaplains meet regularly for prayer. They are on call 365 days a year. They are affiliated with the International Association of Civil Aviation Chaplains.
A plaque in memory of Barbara Jane Harrison was unveiled in 1970. There are also memorial plaques for the Lockerbie bombing. One is for crew members near the door. Another was made by Dr. Jim Swire near the font.
Remember St. George’s Interdenominational Chapel as a place of solace. It is a place of community within the busy airport. It is a testament to faith and remembrance.