From St James’s Church to St Mary’s Cathedral: A Sacred Legacy in West Ealing
The Story of a 20th-Century Gothic Revival Church, Its Architectural Brilliance by William Pywell, and Its Transformation into the Spiritual Heart of the Assyrian Church of the East in Europe
St James's Church, located in West Ealing, London, has a rich history that reflects the evolving needs and demographics of its community. Designed by architect William Pywell, the church was constructed between 1903 and 1909 to serve the growing population of Ealing Dean.
Early Years and Architectural Design
The establishment of St James's Church was necessitated by the expansion of the local community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Initially functioning as a mission church of St John's from 1890, it was assigned its own district in 1905. The church's design, attributed to William Pywell of Hanwell, features early Gothic architectural elements. Constructed with red brick and stone dressings, the building includes a chancel, northeast chapel, and a nave with north and south aisles, accommodating approximately 770 congregants.
Changes and Challenges
Throughout the 20th century, St James's Church experienced various changes reflecting broader societal shifts. By 1977, the benefice was suspended, and the church was served from St John's. The church eventually closed in 1984 but was reopened in 1990 as a plant from St John's.
Transition to St Mary's Cathedral
In 2018, St James's Church closed its doors, marking the end of an era. Recognising the need for a larger space to accommodate their growing congregation, the Assyrian Church of the East acquired the building. His Grace Mar Awraham Youkhanis led efforts to restore and repurpose the church, culminating in its consecration as St Mary's Cathedral on 15 February, 2025. This transformation signifies a new chapter for the Assyrian community in the United Kingdom, providing a sanctuary for worship and community activities.
Architectural Legacy
The original design by William Pywell has endured through these transitions, with the building's Gothic features preserved and restored to serve its new purpose. The cathedral now stands as a testament to the architectural heritage of the early 20th century and the dynamic history of the West Ealing community.
St James's Church, now St Mary's Cathedral, exemplifies the adaptability and resilience of religious institutions in responding to the needs of their congregations. From its inception in the early 1900s to its current role as a cathedral for the Assyrian Church of the East, the building continues to serve as a focal point for faith and community in West Ealing.
Early Years and Architectural Design
The establishment of St James's Church was necessitated by the expansion of the local community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Initially functioning as a mission church of St John's from 1890, it was assigned its own district in 1905. The church's design, attributed to William Pywell of Hanwell, features early Gothic architectural elements. Constructed with red brick and stone dressings, the building includes a chancel, northeast chapel, and a nave with north and south aisles, accommodating approximately 770 congregants.
Changes and Challenges
Throughout the 20th century, St James's Church experienced various changes reflecting broader societal shifts. By 1977, the benefice was suspended, and the church was served from St John's. The church eventually closed in 1984 but was reopened in 1990 as a plant from St John's.
Transition to St Mary's Cathedral
In 2018, St James's Church closed its doors, marking the end of an era. Recognising the need for a larger space to accommodate their growing congregation, the Assyrian Church of the East acquired the building. His Grace Mar Awraham Youkhanis led efforts to restore and repurpose the church, culminating in its consecration as St Mary's Cathedral on 15 February, 2025. This transformation signifies a new chapter for the Assyrian community in the United Kingdom, providing a sanctuary for worship and community activities.
Architectural Legacy
The original design by William Pywell has endured through these transitions, with the building's Gothic features preserved and restored to serve its new purpose. The cathedral now stands as a testament to the architectural heritage of the early 20th century and the dynamic history of the West Ealing community.
St James's Church, now St Mary's Cathedral, exemplifies the adaptability and resilience of religious institutions in responding to the needs of their congregations. From its inception in the early 1900s to its current role as a cathedral for the Assyrian Church of the East, the building continues to serve as a focal point for faith and community in West Ealing.