A foundation stone from a bombed-out church. That’s the intriguing beginning of St Matthew’s Camberwell’s story. This church isn’t just a building it’s a testament to resilience. It stands in Lilford Road a beacon of faith in Camberwell.
St Matthew’s Camberwell isn’t the first church to bear this name in the area. In fact it’s the third. The first was a small chapel built in 1773 on Denmark Hill. It served the ancient village of Camberwell before becoming St Matthew’s Chapel in 1830. A grander church replaced it in 1846 designed by Alexander Gough. Sadly this church was destroyed during a bombing raid on September 26 1940.
Only the tower and spire survived. For years they stood as a silent reminder of what was lost. The congregation gathered in a house on Denmark Hill. They joined with St Saviour Herne Hill. After much discussion about rebuilding they chose a new location nearer the population centre. That’s how we ended up with the present-day St Matthew’s Camberwell.
Built in 1959-60 the current St Matthew’s Camberwell is a modern structure. Architect Ralph Covell designed it. The foundation stone a survivor from the 1846 church forms a powerful link to the past. The east window designed by John Heywood adds a touch of beauty. The church has a nave and chancel. Two porches grace the south side. Ancillary rooms including a kitchen and vestry are located to the north. A sliding steel shutter separates the nave from the chancel. A sliding door separates the nave from the ancillary rooms. This innovative design reflects the ingenuity of post-war reconstruction.
St Matthew’s Camberwell is more than bricks and mortar. It is a community hub a symbol of faith and enduring spirit. It embodies the resilience of a congregation that faced destruction and rebuilt with determination. It shows that even after devastation the spirit of faith can endure and find a new home. A visit to St Matthew’s Camberwell is a journey through history. It’s a celebration of faith community and the enduring power of hope.