Recall the days of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens because St Peter’s Church stands where Neptune’s fountain once flowed. This is St Peter Vauxhall. It is a testament to faith and community in the heart of London.
Planned in 1860 by John Loughborough Pearson St Peter’s Vauxhall was built in 1863-64. It was constructed alongside schools orphanage and a vicarage. This church is a Grade II listed building one of only a few in this area. Pearson considered this his first major town church.
The exterior might not reveal the interior’s beauty. Pearson believed the spirituality within would be apparent upon entry. The planned tower was never built. However the interior is richly decorated. The church cost only £8000 to build. It has a complete set of fittings. The organ built by Lewis is small but powerful. St Peter’s Vauxhall has excellent acoustics. Concerts are held here from time to time.
The altar sits where the Neptune fountain once stood in Vauxhall Gardens. Pearson designed the alabaster reredos. Poole of Westminster created it. Salviati of Venice made the mosaic. Clayton and Bell installed the frescos in the sanctuary between 1866 and 1868.
The scenes include The Killing of Abel and Melchisedech the High Priest. Also depicted are The Last Supper and The Agony in the Garden. Christ Carrying the Cross The Crucifixion and The Descent from the Cross are shown. Finally The Resurrection and Christ’s appearance to the Apostles are featured. Lavers Barraud and Westlake created the stained glass in the upper lancets in 1864-5.
Poole of Westminster also made the font. Nicholl incised scenes of Christ’s Baptism on the bowl. He was paid £18 for this work in 1874. Pearson designed the stencilled geometric decoration on the font cover in 1891.
St Peter’s Vauxhall shares the North Lambeth parish with St Anselm’s Church Kennington.
After the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens closed in 1859 St Peter’s emerged. It fulfilled the need for a new community space alongside housing developments. Importantly no pew rent was charged. Pearson also built the City & Guilds Art School. At the time it was next to the church.
Today St Peter’s is known for its exceptional acoustics. It is perfect for classical music recitals. The church extends a warm welcome to all. Services are held on Sundays at 11 am and 4 pm. Weekly events include music sessions and prayer meetings. These are open to the Vauxhall community and beyond.
In 2019 a team from Holy Trinity Clapham joined St Peter’s. They created a church family with diverse worship styles. Their shared vision is to bring the love of Jesus to London. St Peter’s embraces all who call London home. It shares the Gospel with Vauxhall and South London.
So as you stand here consider the echoes of music the shared prayers and the enduring spirit of St Peter’s Vauxhall. It is a beacon of hope in the heart of London.