Islington St Mary
Islington, Greater London
St Mary's is one of the Church of England's most historic parishes, today we're a church of different people, a community of all ages, living out our calling.
Our history is inexorably entwined with some of the most radical and progressive developments of the modern age, and yet the core principles at the centre of our congregation remain as true today as they were when the church began.
Islington, Greater London
Union Chapel is a fantastic Victorian architectural gem built in 1875-1877 in the heart of London, designed by leading nonconformist Christian architect James Cubitt. Often compared to a small cathedral in its scale with an original capacity of 1,700, the complex comprises the Grade I Listed chapel, with outstanding acoustics, and its Grade II* ancillary buildings: the Sunday School, Lecture Halls, Committee Room, Vestry and Caretaker House.
The congregation was founded by a union of Anglicans and nonconformist Christians in 1799, hence the name Union Chapel. This new congregation numbered just 26 members. They chose to depart from the traditional hierarchical structures and language of the established church. Their founding principle was to make Union Chapel a ‘Friend for All’.
This architectural treasure is home to a working church, an award winning arts and cultural venue, a unique organ and frontline services for those homeless and in crisis. It’s a rich community where people come to revel, to worship, to listen to and watch wonderful performances, to volunteer and to find help when they need it most.
Over the past thirty years the Chapel has gone from facing demolition to, thanks to the rallying and determination of the local community, being Grade I and II* listed and from being virtually abandoned to becoming a vibrant hub of activity welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors a year:
Islington, Greater London
St Mary's is one of the Church of England's most historic parishes, today we're a church of different people, a community of all ages, living out our calling.
Highbury, Greater London
Designed by architect Thomas Allom, a founder member of what would become the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Islington, Greater London
An unexpected oasis.