Our Story
Christ Church on Brixton Road in Lambeth SW9 is an Art Nouveau and Byzantine Revival Grade II listed building built in 1902 by Arthur Beresford Pite for his brother-in-law, Rev William Mowll. The foundation stone of the new church was laid on 13 December 1898 by Princess Helena, and the old church was demolished in 1899. The foundation stone, by Edward Johnston, was cut by Eric Gill in 1902. The church was consecrated by Edward Talbot, the Bishop of Rochester, on 5 December 1902. There is a prominent clock on the exterior of church, probably erected at the time of its construction. The outside pulpit in the south-west corner was designed by Weir, Burrows and Weir and was dedicated on 3 November 1907.
The present church was built on the site of an earlier chapel, formerly the independent Holland Chapel, which was sold to Anglicans in 1835, enlarged and renamed "Christ Church" in 1855. The foundation stone of the new church hall was laid on 24 July 1897, and the building was completed in 1899.
Christ Church Parish, situated on Brixton Road in London, is a vibrant and welcoming community that has served as a spiritual and cultural refuge for individuals of various nationalities, particularly the Latin American community. Since its inception, Christ Church has been a place where faith, diversity, and service unite to embody the love of Christ.
One of the most notable aspects of Christ Church's recent history has been its commitment to being a bilingual parish (English-Spanish). This model has enabled individuals from different cultural backgrounds not only to feel welcomed but also to become full members of the church, actively participating in decision-making and pastoral leadership.
Under the leadership of Father Hugo Adán, Christ Church underwent a transformation into a truly inclusive parish. On the first Sunday of October 2023, the Mass in Spanish began under the leadership of Father Miguel Ángel Pino, which has been growing to this day.
Today, Christ Church celebrates baptisms, weddings, and confirmations in both English and Spanish, while also empowering lay leaders and promoting social justice and evangelisation. The parish stands as a living testament to how faith and social action can go hand in hand, continuing to serve as a beacon of hope and service in London.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
