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Posted on: May 12th 2025

URGENT - PETITION TO SAVE OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH AND PRESBYTRY

The Assumptionist Order has indicated that Our Lady of Grace parish must vacate its historic church and presbytery in Charlton, placing this thriving Catholic community at risk.

Our Lady of Grace Church and Grade II listed Highcombe House represent irreplaceable heritage dating back to 1903. The church, built in Neo-Romanesque style by French architect Eugène-Jacques Gervais in 1905-1906, stands as testimony to the Assumptionist Order's mission in England after being expelled from France.

The integrity of this site depends on preserving the church, Highcombe House, and gardens as a unified property, including the historic pathway connecting the church to Our Lady of Grace School. This pathway has a history dating back over 200 years—originally part of Eastcombe farm's orchard paths, adapted by Sir William Congreve around 1820.

The gardens contain a historic mulberry tree of significant age requiring protection. This tree forms part of the site's living heritage and contributes to local biodiversity, warranting dedicated conservation.

The path has been used by generations of residents including General Sir George Whitmore's family, the Barlow family (1862-1902), followed by the Assumptionist community and schoolchildren, creating a living timeline connecting today's community to centuries of local history.

Any subdivision would compromise the site's historical significance and the vital connection between parish and school community.
These buildings form the spiritual home of a vibrant parish with deep roots in Charlton. The connection with Our Lady of Grace School continues the Assumptionist educational mission.

The newly formed Our Lady of Grace Buildings Preservation Trust is ready to work with the Assumptionist Order, local council, and experts to develop a sustainable plan that respects the Order's interests while preserving this site for future generations.

Once lost, this shared heritage can never be restored. We believe collaborative dialogue can find solutions that honour the Assumptionist legacy.

Please sign the Petition below by clicking on the link below.

Petition to save Our Lady of Grace Church

 

 

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Posted on: 8/05/2025

Future of Our Lady of Grace Parish Church

As many of you will be aware, the future of Our Lady of Grace parish church is uncertain, and by extension the existence of the parish. The Archdiocese of Southwark does not currently own the land or buildings of the parish and the current owners have attempted to serve notice on the parish, requesting it to vacate the buildings and cease use by the end of June. There are legal reasons why this is not acceptable and the Archdiocese has made clear to the owners that the parish vacating the site is not possible nor accepted. As a school we are very concerned by these developments. Our relationship with the parish is very strong and the links between home, parish and school are absolutely essential for the authentic Catholic education and formation that our children currently receive. The parish community has quickly mobilised to work with the Archdiocese to find a permanent solution that will be acceptable to the site's owners, and the school is working very closely with the parish to offer whatever assistance and support it can.  There will be opportunities for the wider school community to support the parish community via petitioning decision makers and fundraising. These efforts will be organised by the parish and the school will communicate any calls to action to parents  as soon as they are received. Please pray for a successful resolution to this very concerning situation and the protection of Our Lady of Grace over our whole community.  Please see the letter that was read out by Canon Victor Darlington at Mass on 3rd May 2025 by clicking below. Canon Victor Darlington's Letter to Parishioners