St. Gregory's Church, Earlsfield

Introduction

The parish of Saint Gregory's Church in Earlsfield was formed because St Thomas's at Wandsworth could not keep track of parishioners constantly on the move searching for work. The first church was enabled by an anonymous benefactor who bought the land and paid for the church and presbytery, later found to be Miss Frances Ellis. The parish was given the patronal name of Saint Gregory the Great, as 1904 was the 13th centenary of his death.

History

In 1905 Bishop Amigo stressed the urgent need for the parish to have a Catholic school but one never got built. Between 1909 and 1915, the parish priest used his architectural skills to remodel and enlarge the original church. The church was bombed twice in 1944 and completely destroyed apart from the sign which now is mounted on the entrance arch. St Gregory's has the distinction of being the only parish in Britain or Ireland served by Brigettine monks since the Reformation.

The Tamil Catholic Chaplaincy is located next door to the church at 304 Garratt Lane. For Confirmation of young people aged 12 or more, or of adults who have not been confirmed, the bishop comes every second year.