CHRIST CHURCH, SOUTH KENSINGTON.
This church, which stands at the foot of the Victoria road, might have been much better placed, so as to be seen in perspective, which indeed its near appearance would warrant. Its fair and well-proportioned tower and spire would then have formed a striking object, and might have been visible even from Kensington-gardens. Could it be lifted out of the pit in which it seems to nestle at the dark end of a road which is no thoroughfare, and out of its unsightly surroundings in Cornwall-gardens, it would be an immense benefit to the mere appearance of the building. The building in itself is generally very simple, but not without effect. It is built of ragstone with bath-stone dressings, and covered with slate. The enclosure is nicely planted, neatly kept, and fenced with dwarf walls. Internally the church is unimposing. The nave and aisles are surmounted by a heavy-looking but plain roof—without clerestory lights. The tower space on the north side of the chancel, is occupied as an organ chamber. The chancel is quite plain and without aisles. In the windows, which are of good design and filled with glass of geometrical patterns, there is an absence of stained glass and decoration; which in reality the church requires, to relieve that tame and cold look, which some day might be slightly altered with advantage. A large gallery at the west end does not tend to lighten the interior aspect of the church; nor do the exposed heating pipes, which it would be better to conceal from view. The font, pulpit, and pewing are of plain design, and the passages are paved with red and black tiles, laid diagonally. Christ Church is a chapelry of ease to the parish church of St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington, or rather a trust chapel, served by the Venerable Archdeacon Sinclair, Vicar of Kensington. It was opened and consecrated July 23, 1851, by Bishop Blomfield. The present officiating ministers are the Rev. W. Wright, the morning and evening preacher, who has been curate since 1855, and is now termed the “senior curate.” The Rev. E. T. Carey is the second curate and afternoon preacher, and entered upon his duty in 1869. Both ministers are much esteemed; and from the impressions of our visit the estimation in which they are held is well founded. Mr. Carey read the prayers and lessens in good voice, and with an evident mental appreciation of their religious sense and application. Mr. Wright officiated in the Communion Service and preached the sermon. His voice is penetrating, if not full, and leaves the most dull-eared without excuse. His sermon was an able and faithful exposition of Psalms 142 and 4th verse—“Refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.” The distinction between the circumstances of the Psalmist and his times and our own was finely drawn. In the former case every incident of temporal life—adverse or favourable—was interpreted as a certain indication of the Divine favour or displeasure. With us it was not so much so. We had in general every spiritual advantage; although there were yet some, as at the East-end of London, who, from the scarcity of religious provision, might still say, “No man careth for my soul.” In short we quite thought we were listening to a charity sermon; and after so touching an appeal on behalf of the spiritually destitute, prepared ourselves for a collection. Mr. Wright, however, has our best thanks for touching in so delicate a manner a very sensitive chord in our moral nature.
The chapel is capable of holding 700 persons, and there are less than 100 free sittings; but although it was supposed to have not only its own, but also many of the congregation of the parish church—which is closed for re-erection—it was by no means full. It is hoped, when the central church is completed and reopened, it will have a good effect in the locality, and help to supply the dependent church with an adequate congregation. We have known churches and chapels in the worst situations, under special influence, to be filled with devout worshippers; but they are occasions too rare. Would that we could see them more frequently! One remark made by the preacher in speaking of the need of churches at the East-end was much to the point. It was to the effect that it would be useless to build churches unless there were efficient ministers to carry on the service and occupy the pulpit. Mr. Wright appears to have reflected long enough to learn that the greatest problem of the day is, after all not how churches may be built, but rather how, when built, they may be suitably and successfully served. Here is a good organ under the care of Mr. Brain, of the Eldon-road, but no choir. It is, therefore, purely congregational singing assisted by the organ.