The Parish Church of St Andrew’s, Kingsbury, has received a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the “Rekindling St Andrew’s, Kingsbury” project. The project seeks to open-up the Grade II* St Andrew’s Kingsbury to everyone and to “rekindle” the church’s relationship with the wider local communities. Funding has also been awarded by the No. 1 Trust and the Ascot Priory Trust.
During this project, the church will pilot several activities, including a community Sing a Long; community research project; Open Days; and new volunteering opportunities. The church will open its doors and welcome in the community to explore the significant church building and offer their thoughts and suggestions on how it can better serve and support the local population. The project also aims to improve the management of the heritage building and strengthen the capacity and resilience of the church’s governing organisation, the Parochial Church Council.
On completion of this initial project, a larger capital project will be developed, which will result in the building being removed from the Heritage at Risk register.
St Andrew’s, Kingsbury is an exceptional parish church with a unique story. Located in the northeast corner of Brent, it is a Grade II* listed Victorian church. Built in 1847 on Wells Street, London W1, it was dismantled in 1933, and moved, stone by stone, to its present site. The interior hosts fittings and furnishings by some of most widely celebrated Victorian architects and designers. St Andrew’s has an energetic and committed congregation of around 70 and serves a diverse wider community.
Commenting on the award, Fr Jason Rendell, said:
We are hugely grateful to the NLHF for this generous grant, as well as to the Diocese of London and other grant funders for their support. Eighty-eight years ago, the Church was moved brick-by-brick from central London and re-planted in Kingsbury, offering vision and hope for the future at a time of growth and expansion in the area. Now, we have a further opportunity to rekindle our partnership with the evolving community around us, so that the Church can continue to be a bright beacon of light and hope in its service to the community in our part of Brent.
Find out more about St Andrew’s Kingsbury on their website