Perhaps unexpectedly, tucked away on the corner of Upper Cheyne Row and Cheyne Row stands The Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer and St Thomas More. This Roman Catholic Parish church has a rich history. Let’s uncover some of its secrets.
The Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer and St Thomas More was built in the late 19th century. It first opened its doors on October 23 1895. The architect was Edward Goldie. You might find it interesting that The Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer and St Thomas More sits next to Carlyle’s House in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Back in the 1890s Cardinal Herbert Vaughan asked Canon Cornelius James Keens to start a mission in Chelsea. Its purpose was to serve the local Catholic community. Canon Keens received permission in 1892 from the Archdiocese of Westminster. He was allowed to build a church in the area. Originally, it was to be named The Church of the Most Holy Redeemer. The foundation stone was laid on June 7 1894.
The church was finally consecrated on June 21 1905. Cardinal Francis Bourne performed the ceremony. The dedication of The Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer and St Thomas More changed in 1935. This was after Thomas More was canonised.
Tragedy struck The Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer and St Thomas More during the Second World War. In September 1940 a bomb hit the church. Nineteen people died and the west wall plus the organ were destroyed. The church was later repaired.
Restoration work took place in 1962. From 1970 to 1972 the church was reordered. The chancel floor was relaid. This allowed the altar to be moved closer to the congregation. A marble ambo was installed. In 1980 a new font was installed. It matched the ambo. The Stations of the Cross are the work of Irish sculptor Ken Thompson. They were installed for the Millennium.
The Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer and St Thomas More has hosted many weddings. Sean and Eileen O’Casey married here on September 23 1927. David Bruce Huxley and Anna Remsen Schenk married on June 27 1939. Bernard and Gillian Cribbins married on August 27 1955.
The Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer and St Thomas More has five Sunday Masses. There is also weekday Masses from Monday to Friday. The Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer and St Thomas More stands as a testament to faith. It has endured war and change. It continues to serve its community. Its history is etched into its very stones.