Didn’t Fr Todd have a vision for more than just an orphanage? Our Lady Help of Christians Church stands here today. It is a testament to faith. It is also a testament to community. This Catholic parish church in Blackheath has a unique story. It began with an orphanage and grew into a vibrant place of worship.
In 1870, Rev Dr William Gowan Todd moved to Blackheath. He established a Catholic orphanage. It was first located in Greenwich but needed to relocate. In Blackheath, Todd built a chapel within Park House. Initially, it was only for the orphanage’s use. Local Catholics began attending Mass there. They preferred it to traveling to Greenwich. Todd received permission to make it a chapel for the area. By 1873, the chapel formally became the mission’s site in Blackheath.
As the congregation grew, Fr Francis J Sheehan took on the challenge of building a larger church. Charles Butler and his family stepped forward. They funded the church’s construction. They also funded the leasing and purchase of the land. Construction began in 1890. Alfred Edward Purdie, a student of Augustus Pugin, designed the church.
The Gothic Revival style reflects the architectural trends of the time. On July 1, 1891, Bishop John Butt of Southwark opened the church. The cost was 4,147 pounds. More additions followed. Side altars were finished in 1894. Stained glass windows were installed until 1900. Every window featured stained glass made by Hardman and Co. John Hardman Powell, the company’s chief designer, lived nearby. He oversaw the project. Bishop Peter Amigo consecrated the church on September 3, 1906. In 1913, Catherine Butler gave the church a 10,000-pound endowment. The orphanage chapel became St Mary’s Hall. It served as the parish hall. It was unfortunately destroyed during the Second World War. It was rebuilt and reopened in 1955.
Our Lady Help of Christians Church continues to serve its community. Nearby is St Matthew Academy. It formed from the amalgamation of two schools. These are St Joseph’s Academy and Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School. The church offers four Sunday Masses. These take place on Saturday evening and three times on Sunday.
The church’s architecture reflects its history. The Gothic Revival style evokes a sense of reverence. The stained glass windows tell biblical stories. They also honor the Butler family’s contributions. Take a moment to admire these windows. They offer a glimpse into the past. They reveal the dedication of those who built this church. Our Lady Help of Christians stands as a symbol of faith. It is a beacon of hope. It is a testament to the enduring power of community.