Vision and Conflict 1855-92: Volume 1 of The Story of Christ Church, New Malden
In September 2021, Stephen wrote the first volume of a new illustrated history of Christ Church, New Malden. This begins in 1855 with the first moves towards establishing a church within the fledging village of New Malden. It then covers the establishment of the Temporary Church of St James in Poplar Walk in 1857, the original Christ Church from 1866, Christ Church School in 1867 and 1870, the extension of Christ Church in 1878 and the building of Christ Church Mission Room (later St John’s) on the Kingston Road in 1885. Dominating this period was the first Vicar of Christ Church, Charles Stirling (1865-92) with these years characterised by tremendous vision and energy but also damaging conflict. The latter included both local and national issues: Stirling’s concern about Christ Church School but also his fierce opposition towards Catholic emancipation and the advance of ritualism within the Church of England. Both the positive and negative aspects of the earliest years of Christ Church have much to teach us and copies of all the volumes can be obtained through our Contact Us page.