A Brief History of Rivercourt Church

free html5 templates

Adapted from the Centenary Notes, 1875 - 1975

There has been a Methodist presence in Hammersmith since 1798. A Methodist convert of John Wesley - a Mr Jacob Blake, a market gardener of Brentford, with his wife Mary - opened their house in Goldhawk Road for meetings.

In 1809 a small chapel was built in what is now called Macbeth Street, off King Street. This small chapel was considerably enlarged in 1856.

However, with the dramatic increase in the population of Hammersmith, following the spread of housing over the market gardens of West London, there was an appeal for funds for a new church. That appeal was amply met; and in 1874 building work began on a new church on the corner of Rivercourt Road and King Street.

The church was to be in the Gothic style, and had an impressive spire of 125 feet. It had two fine stained glass windows and a three manual pipe organ. The new church had seating in both the body of the building and in the gallery, for over 1000 people. The opening service was held on October 1st 1875. Its imposing presence on a prime local site reflected Methodism’s confident place in the community.

In 1905, land next to the church was acquired, and in 1938 Rivercourt Church House was built. This had office facilities, shops on King Street, and a hostel for young Methodist men. Also during this period of the 1930's, the inside of the church was partially remodelled. In the early 1970's the basement was converted to provide more comfortable accommodation for church meetings.
BACK

Rivercourt in 1975 - centenary year.

Redevelopment - 1997


In 1997 the church undertook to radically redevelop the building resulting in a flexible and welcoming property for worship and community use. Along with the creation of new rooms for meetings, the pews were removed from the sanctuary area to allow for increased seating flexibility.
The basement was remodelled and let out to a French nursery. 

BACK

The Tower Clock:

The tower clock was electrified in 1997.  This welcome development was made possible by a generous gift from former members.

Until this work was done, it was necessary for church stewards to climb into the tower and wind the clock by hand each week.
The electrified clock requires no winding and is kept accurate to a fraction of a second by a radio signal controlled by an atomic clock.

Though the timekeeping mechanism is now high-tech, the machinery which drives the hands is susceptible to the elements and pollution from the nearby A4.
In February 2000, the clock stopped and additional repair works were required.
BACK

The Falls

These exquisite textile works have been produced by Angela Dewar. Their purchase has been made possible by extremely generous donations from members of the United Reformed Church worshipping at Rivercourt and Alan Bristow the architect of the Rivercourt Redevelopment.

There are four sets, each comprising three hangings depicting Rivercourt Church and reflecting its place in the Hammersmith community.

The four sets are in the liturgical colours - Green (Ordinary Seasons),
Purple (Advent & Lent), Red (Pentecost), White (Festivals/Christmas/Easter).
The three hangings in each set are for the table, pulpit and lectern.
In each set you can see Rivercourt Church
with Hammersmith Bridge and the river, the gate to Ravenscourt Park, other
churches and local buildings and even the Hammersmith flyover.

A more detailed description of the falls and the process by which they were commissioned and created is given here by Angela Dewar.

BACK