St Saviour Church

Short history of the church of St. Saviour, Raynes Park

St Saviour’s parish originated from a district council carved out of the Parish of Merton. The present site was purchased for £600. The foundation stone was laid on 22nd July 1905 and the Church built at a cost of £8,000. On 14th July 1906 the Bishop of Southwark consecrated the new Church.

In May 1907 St Saviour’s became the Parish Church of Raynes Park. The living was and still is in the gift of the Bishop of Southwark. Important events in the life of the parish include: -

1909	A side chapel built to the memory of Sir Frederick Wigan, St Saviour’s benefactor.
1920	A Scout Troop was formed.
1927	Formation of the Mothers’ Union.
1938	The inauguration of the Youth Fellowship.
1941	The formation of St Saviour’s Fellowship.
1945	The beginning of the 9:15am Sung Parish Communion Service.
1946	A Company of Girl Guides was formed.
1947	Cub and Brownie Packs started.
1957	New vestries were built.
1966	Holy Cross became a Conventional District.
1989	A new-ordering of the Church commenced financed by the sale of land on the west side of the Church. This major work consisted of: A narthex An Upper Room and lift. A north range extension providing a kitchen, toilets, storage and a passage leading to the Vestries. A new Vestry roof. Glazed window screening of the Lady Chapel. New heating and lighting systems and complete re-wiring. Church floor fully carpeted.
1997	Major improvements were made to the organ at a cost of £65,000
2000	St Saviour’s was registered as a Forward in Faith Parish. In recent years we have had a new font and “The Way of the Cross” stations installed.