The Church of St Mary and St John the Divine, Balham High Road, London SW12 9BS

Details

Accessibility

https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/529/facilities/

Brief description

https://programme.openhouse.org.uk/listings/13776

By R J WITHERS, 1808

https://www.ctbut.co.uk/saintmaryandsaintjohnthedivine

"We are the parish church for Balham, situated on the High Street and welcoming of all who come.  Our services have a formal Anglican structure so will feel familiar to those who have attended other Anglican churches and will give a clear shape for those who haven’t.

​Our main gathering is on Sundays at 10.30AM when we celebrate the eucharist and have a short (10 minute) sermon reflecting on the scripture that has been read."

https://www.stmarybalham.org.uk/index.php/about/#section-id-1592908834029

Around 1805, a dozen wealthy residents of Balham and its local area commissioned the construction of a proprietary chapel at the 5-mile stone between Balham and Tooting. Among them were members of the reforming Clapham Sect, luminaries such as William Wilberforce, Henry Thornton, and Zachary Macaulay.  This chapel opened for worship in April 1808.  It was consecrated and dedicated as the parish church of Balham by the Bishop of Winchester in the spring of 1855. 

The church underwent considerable alteration over the course of the next fifty years. During the 1880s, an elaborately decorated chancel, sanctuary, and reredos were added. Then, in 1903, the building’s original Greek Revival façade was replaced by an eclectic Classical frontage, complete with porches, clock tower, and domed baptistery. 

Meanwhile, as Balham continued to develop as a residential and commercial area, the need for a daughter church to serve the growing Bedford Hill neighbourhood became apparent.  The Church of St John the Divine was consecrated by the Bishop of Rochester in October 1900 and soon became known for its ‘high church’ sensibilities.  St John’s served as the parish church for Bedford Hill until 1983, at which point it was closed, and the combined parish of St Mary and St John the Divine, Balham, was formed.

As Balham has continued to evolve, so has St Mary’s. Today it is a community that seeks to honour its past while also embracing the future.  The church welcomed its current vicar, Fr Jonathan MacNeaney, in January 2023."

Address

The Church of St Mary and St John the Divine, Balham High Road, London SW12 9BS

Email

administrator@stmarybalham.org.uk

Phone

020 8675 3278  (10am-12noon Tues, Fri, Sat)

Website

www.stmarybalham.org.uk

www.facebook.com/stmarybalham

www.instagram.com/stmarybalham

x.com/stmarybalham

https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/529/

Directions

what3words: beside.zips.large

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

2026 "In addition to regular worship times, St Mary's is open on Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 10.00am-12.00pm.  Any additional opening times will be publicised on the front door of the church. The church is also open for prayers (approx 30 mins) at 9pm and 4pm on weekdays (except Mondays)." 

Transport

Balham

Balham

Amenities

• Accessible toilet
• Baby changing facilities
• Drinking water
• Family-friendly event
• Gender neutral toilet
• Parking
• Quieter area
• Seating available
• Step-free routes
• Toilets