St Augustine's, Kilburn

St. Augustine's, Kilburn

Photo of St. Augustine's
Country United Kingdom
Denomination Church of England
History
Founder(s) Richard Carr Kilpatrick
Architecture
Architect(s) John Loughborough Pearson
Clergy
Vicar(s) Anthony H. Yates

Saint Augustine's, Kilburn is an Anglican Church in the area of Kilburn[1], in North London, United Kingdom. Because of its large scale and ornate architecture, it is sometimes affectionately referred to as "the Cathedral of North London", although the church is not a cathedral in any official sense.

St Augustine's was founded by Richard Carr Kirkpatrick in the Anglo-Catholic tradition in 1870. By 1871, a foundation stone had been laid and the original 'iron church' was subsequently replaced by a much more ambitious form of religious architecture, a Victorian Gothic church designed by John Loughborough Pearson. It is listed as a Grade I building by English Heritage.[2]

Contents

Architecture

Pearson's plans called for a red brick structure, vaulted ceilings, and extensive interior stone sculpture in a style reminiscent of 13th century Gothic architecture. The church was consecrated in 1880, but the tower and spire, remarkable for such Victorian era structures, were not constructed until 1897-1898.[3] Sir Giles Gilbert Scott designed the reredos (altar screens) for the high altar in 1930. He also designed the reredos of the Lady Chapel and the Stations of the Cross. In 1878, two years prior to the dedication of the church, contemporary historian Edward Walford had already referred to St. Augustine's, Kilburn as "one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical structures in London." [4]. The spire measures more than 77 metres high (254 feet). Completed in 1878, the nave measures nine metres (28 feet) wide with nine bays and a crossing that is bounded by transepts on the north and south sides. The religious art in various forms depicts most of the major biblical stories. Clayton and Bell created the stained glass windows which includes a large rose window depicting the Creation, nine clerestory windows (five depicting types of angels), nave windows depicting Saints connected with England, a window depicting Saint Augustine and several other tall lancet windows. Paintings around the nave depict the healing ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. The chancel and sanctuary are surrounded by densely carved sculptural forms depicting the passion, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Christ, as well as the apostles, saints and other religious iconography. The south transept leads to St. Michael's Chapel with depictions of the Eucharist, sacrifice, angels and the worship of Heaven. The Lady Chapel presents frescoes of the Christ child and a later carving of Jesus' presentation in the Temple.[5]

Today

The church stands prominently to the south of Kilburn and the north of Maida Vale. It is accompanied by two schools of the same name, St Augustine's Primary School and St Augustine's High School. All three are part of the same trust. Regularly pupils and staff make visits to the church, either to pray or to admire the wonderful architecture of the so-called 'cathedral'. The Bishop of London has made a visit to the church, gave readings and blessed the church and pupils, symbolising how two schools with people from different religions and backgrounds come together in this act of worship.

Congregational History

Richard Carr Kirkpatrick served as parish priest at Saint Augustine, Kilburn from 1870-1907. He formed the church after his parish at St. Mary's, Kilburn, where he served as curate, received an evangelical vicar unsympathetic to the Anglo-Catholic movement (also referred to as the Oxford movement, "tractarians" or disparagingly as "Puseyites" after one of the founders of the movement, Edward Bouverie Pusey. Kirkpatrick was followed in the vicarage by:

External links

References

  1. ^ Although in the Kilburn area, the church is located just within the boundaries of the City of Westminster - see map for exact location
  2. ^ "A Church Near You" website, Church of England, accessed March 2, 2008, http://www.acny.org.uk/venue.php?V=15756.
  3. ^ Humphrey, Stephen and James Morris, Churches and Cathedrals of London, New Holland Publishers (London), 2006.
  4. ^ Edward Walford, Old and New London: Volume 5, British History website, accessed March 2, 2008, http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=45234
  5. ^ Saint Augustine, Kilburn website, accessed March 2. 2008, http://www.saint-augustine.org.uk/section/14.