Our Story: Elmers End Free Church – The Church of the Angels
Our church’s origins can be traced to a group meeting in an iron hut for worship in Eden Road in the mid-1870s, which continued until a new brick church was built facing Langley Road. Its 
Foundation Stone was laid on 3rd September 1884.
Seven years later in 1891 an additional piece of land to the rear of the church and facing Goddard Road was purchased.
Soon after its foundation it became sheltered as a daughter church of Beckenham Congregational Church until shortly after the turn of the century when we became self-supporting.
During the 1920s we formally adopted the name Elmers End Free Church, in recognition of our setting and our relationship to other Free Churches along Congregational lines.
As the congregation grew, so more space was required, so a new church was built on the land facing Goddard Road. This was opened in 1931, and our former church became our church hall. These two buildings were linked by an extension providing more modern facilities in the late 1970s.
The new church, which remains the home of our worship today, was designed by architect, Mr Herbert Ibberson in a style combining monastic elements and a modern style.
The monastic influence can be seen in the side cloisters with brick pillars and the deliberately lofty height.
The architect wrote of his work: ‘An unusual instruction of the Committee was conveyed to me by the Minister, Mr Knott. He said,
“We have little money but should there be any spare beyond producing the barest of needs, spend it on a little extra height rather than applied ornament.”
I have done so and the building is almost violent in its stark austerity.’,
The modern and monastic styles are combined in the concealed lighting. This is thought to be one of the first, if not the first building to be lit in this way. In our church this modern feature has bulbs set within bowls held by the distinctly monastic angels, which surround and oversee the worshipping congregation.
In 1972, and as a member of the Congregational Church of England and Wales, the church membership voted along with other Congregational Churches to join in a union with the Presbyterian Church of England, to form a new denomination, the United Reformed Church.
As we approach our 150th Anniversary
We continue our worship, work and witness.
We are a joyful, inclusive and welcoming church for all ages.
We see our mission as seeking to follow Jesus, reflecting his love and serving our community and the wider world in His name.
We remember and give thanks for our faith-filled heritage, and look forward to the future in hope.
The Church of the Angels
Faith, Hope and Love in the heart of Elmers End for 150 years.