St. Mary’s Summertown

Princess Helena’s presence echoes through time. St Mary’s Church Summerstown stands before you a testament to faith and history. This beautiful Grade II listed building wasn’t always here. An older chapel stood on this very spot. It was built in 1836 by William Moseley. Later extensions in 1861 and 1870 proved insufficient. By 1894 demolition was necessary. The old chapel gave way to a temporary iron structure. That served until the magnificent St Mary’s was completed. The foundation stone was laid in 1903 by Princess Helena herself daughter of Queen Victoria. A grand occasion it must have been. Imagine the Surrey Imperial Yeomanry escorting her. The 4th Surrey Volunteers greeted them at the site. The Mayor of Wandsworth Mr Henry Kimber MP and the vicar Revd John Robinson were present too. The Incorporated Society for Promoting the Enlargement Building and repairing of Churches and Chapels contributed generously. They gave £250 towards the rebuilding. The consecration finally took place on April 30 1904. The Suffragan Bishop of Southwark Huyshe Yeatman-Biggs officiated. St Mary’s Church Summerstown has stood strong ever since. It’s a place of worship open every Sunday. It offers services and various groups for all ages. The church’s history is rich and layered. It’s a story woven into the very bricks and mortar. A story of community faith perseverance and a royal visit. St Mary’s Summerstown a beacon of history in South London. The legacy of Princess Helena lives on within these walls. The church’s history is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to faith and community. Today St Mary’s Church Summerstown continues to serve its community. A place of solace and gathering a place where history whispers and faith flourishes. It remains a significant landmark. A symbol of endurance and the enduring spirit of Summerstown.