The Parish Church of St Matthias is situated among the bustling and somewhat diverse community of Stoke Newington in north London where it has stood for 156 years.
From the outside, the church looks somewhat dark and dingy. A school now separates what was once the front of the church which now sadly lies behind a brick wall, which can give the impression that the church is derelict. Our parish priest, Fr David Lambert, aims to replace the wall with railings as soon as funds allow.
To gain access to the church, you have to walk round the perimeter. However, when you enter this amazing building, we hope that you will encounter the spiritual dimension and allow yourselves to be touched by the Holy Spirit and the warmth and friendliness which the family of St Matthias extends.
When you visit the church, we hope you'll enjoy the architecture, and spend time witnessing the stained glass windows that depict the history of the gospel accounts, and a very thoughtful account of recent modern history when the church was bombed and a lot of the paintings and roof were destroyed.
One is often struck by the colourful and detailed architecture of the church ceiling. A school of thought believe's that the ceiling is decorated where a bomb fell during the Second World War. Take some time to inspect the wall mounted pictures in the sacristy at the back of the church!
The pews have recently been installed and were acquired from another Butterfield church in Hammersmith, along with the Stations of the Cross, the Pulpit and Altar rails, which, due to lack of funding and being declined by English Heritage, are not yet installed.
The font and baptistery is yet another lovely part of the church and although the entrance is blocked, the wall contains a great mural of the Baptism of Christ.
The Church organ is another great feature within the church - a rare four manual keyboard. The consul is cleverly situated by the nave altar with the pipes being above the baptistery. The organ gives a great sound when played by our resident organist Mr Stephen Jasper, who follows in the footsteps of Dr W.H. Monk (who wrote 'Abide With Me'). More details about music at St Matthias can be found on the music page of this site.
History
The church was designed during the Victorian era by the famous gothic revival architect William Butterfield and was completed in 1853.
At the time, Stoke Newington was becoming part of London but 'was still one of the most delightful of metropolitan suburbs, having an air of calmness and seclusion’.
How times have changed! It still resembles calmness but seclusion is far beyond its reality.
Forum
You can now use our new forum to leave messages or take part in discussions.
Click here to go to the forum page.
Events Calendar
Holy Week - starts 28th March 2010. Details on the events page. Highlights:
Wednesday 31st at 8 pm - Cebrating the Sedar (Church hall)
Thursday 1st April (Maundy Thursday) - Chrism Service at St Paul's Cathedral, 10-30 am.
Good Friday - 10 am Stations of the Cross; 1-30 pm Liturgy of the day.
Sunday 4th April - Easter Day, mass at 11 am.
Click here to see the events calendar.