Christ Church

The parish of Christ Church, Deptford was created in 1871 from the parish of St Paul. The church was united with St Nicholas in 1936 to form the parish of St Nicholas with Christ Church. The church building was demolished in 1937 and housing now occupies the site. 

Details of the early days of the church can be found in Nathan Dews book “The History of Deptford” first published in 1884 the relevant section of which is reproduced below.

"The Ecclesiastical District Parish of Christ Church originated with a mission started by the Rev. J. P. Courtenay, in a room over the old saw pits, near the Tide Mill, in Church Street, in 1859.

The Church, which is a handsome brick building, with stone facings, of Byzantine Gothic architecture, was consecrated on the 27^th December, 1864, by the Bishop of London. The cost of the building, including the site, was £7,000. The reredos is a stone representation of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous picture of the last supper. The pulpit and reading desk are also of stone richly carved.

Attached to the Church is a commodious iron School Room in Reginald Road, where much parochial work of a practical character is being carried on, including Provident Sick Clubs with 800 members; Mothers’ Meetings; Blanket Club; Maternity Society; Parochial library and a Provident Dispensary. "

Vicars of Christ Church

1871-1882

Rev. John Polkinghorne Courtenay of King’s Coll., London, received his M.A. degree from the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1867.  He was ordained deacon in 1857, by the Bishop of London, and priest in 1858; his first and only curacy being that of St. John, Deptford. In 1875 he received the appointment of Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth’s College, Greenwich. The patronage of the church is invested in the Archbishop of Canterbury and others. Mr Courtenay died December 1^st, 1882.

1882 - ?

Rev. Robert Pratt, M.A., St. John’s Cambridge, Senior Optime 1862. Ordained deacon in 1862 by the Bishop of Chester; priest 1863. Curate of Christ Church 1869, Vicar 1883. Formally curate of Sandbach and Mathematical Master of Sandbach Grammar school, 1866. Curate of Hemmingford Grey, Hunts.

Page last updated: 13th February 2012