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Ship of Fools: St George’s, Bickley, Bromley, London

The Mystery WorshipperThe Mystery Worshipper Shipmate
edited August 2023 in The Mystery Worshipper

imageShip of Fools: St George’s, Bickley, Bromley, London

Bells and smells, beautiful music, appropriate hymns, plus delicious coffee and cake

Read the full Mystery Worshipper report here


Comments

  • Bishops FingerBishops Finger Shipmate
    It's good to see such an excellent Report about this church, which I know slightly. It's one of a number of Anglo-Catholic churches in the Bromley/Beckenham area, and does indeed have a light and spacious interior.

    A good friend of mine was brought up in the parish, and remembers the church before the fire - I understand the interior was rather dark, many windows having been blocked up (!), and, in a way, the fire did the parish a favour by letting the sunshine in...

    A quick look at their website reveals that the liturgy in use is the current (rather clunky IMHO) Roman rite, commonly found these days in A-C churches in England.
  • NenyaNenya All Saints Host, Ecclesiantics & MW Host
    Please continue the discussion about rites and liturgies in Ecclesiantics, where there's a shiny new thread waiting for you all.

    Nenya - Ecclesiantics and Mystery Worshipper Host
  • OffeiriadOffeiriad Shipmate Posts: 47
    Bishops Finger - I also remember it pre-fire, in Fr Hugh Glaisyer's last years of ministry there (was it 54 years as incumbent?). I believe he had the windows bricked up early in his ministry to give the place a more 'religious' light. I remember the Lady Chapel furnished with invididual prayer desks so that each congregant could be 'alone with God'.
  • Bishops FingerBishops Finger Shipmate
    edited November 2023
    Yes, the 1989 fire (during another long incumbency) was a blessing in disguise, resulting in the light and airy interior the MWer mentions.

    The church has one of the most beautiful interiors in our Diocese, IMHO at any rate! There are some good photos in various places on their website.
  • pablito1954pablito1954 Shipmate
    I lived near St George's in the 1980's before the fire. I never went to any services there in those days, but I often sat in there for quiet reflection as it was usually open during the day. Although it was quite dark in those days, it was indeed atmospheric, and conducive to contemplation. I moved away in 1988 before the fire, but in 2012 I attended a Mass there which I thought was beautiful. This thread has inspired to to plan another visit soon.
  • Bishops FingerBishops Finger Shipmate
    Well, I'm sure you will receive a warm welcome if and when you do visit again!

    A friend of mine was brought up in the parish, and has retained close links with the church for a good 40 years or so - she was delighted when I referred her to this MW Report.
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