who we are

We are an Anglican church in the Catholic tradition in the Diocese of Southwark (Church of England). Our congregation is made up of people of all ages and backgrounds, sharing the love of Christ and serving the local community.

We are proud of our reputation as a diverse and inclusive church, and we are committed to being a space where all people are not simply welcomed but delighted in — regardless of age, wealth, education, ethnicity, sexuality, or gender.

We are growing in faith, understanding, and number, as together we consider and join in with what God is doing in and around Avondale Square and South East London.


What We Believe

We believe that every human being is made in the image and likeness of God, without exception. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Saviour, that he died and rose again for the benefit of all, without exception.

In John 10:10, Jesus said, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." We believe that through worship, prayer, hospitality, study, and living each day in community, we will — with God's help — discern what that abundant life looks like. We believe that the Holy Spirit is continually at work in the Church: awakening us, challenging us, and setting our hearts on fire for God, for creation, and for humanity.

Our Building

The church was built in 1963 as part of the redevelopment of the Avondale Square estate, designed by Nugent Cachemaille-Day, replacing an earlier church lost during World War II.

Inside, the church is clean, bright, and spacious, with angels adorning the ceiling and a captivating reredos painted by John Hayward — a prolific stained glass artist who created nearly 200 windows in churches and cathedrals across Britain. A small, beautifully formed side chapel is available for private prayer or quieter services.

The church also has a rich acoustic, ideal for choral music, and is available to hire for recording purposes.

Our church hall hosts community events and groups throughout the year. It includes a large room with a small stage, a smaller soft-furnished room, a kitchen, and toilets. We welcome bookings for private and community events — get in touch to find out more.

For the history of the church, visit our Wikipedia page.

St Philip's Avondale Square Our Building Our History

Meet the Team

  • Meet the dedicated team at St Philips Avondale Square Mthr Helen Harknett

    The Revd Helen Harknett

    Vicar

  • Meet the team at St Philips Avondale Square

    The Revd Ivan Ibuno

    Assistant Curate

  • Meet the dedicated team

    Natalia Restrepo

    Church Warden

  • Lucy Ohamuo - Church Warden

    Lucy Ohamuo

    Church Warden

  • Patricia Reid

    Patricia Reid

    Honorary Church Warden

  • John Gardiner

    John Gardiner

    Treasurer

  • Viktoria Swan

    Viktoria Swan

    Parish Safeguarding Officer

  • Ini Udom

    Deanery Synod Member

  • Ann Oliver

    Ann Oliver

    Deanery Synod Rep & Hall bookings Officer

  • Beata Ciliakova

    Beata Ciliakova

    PCC Member

  • Sophie George

    Sophie George

    Safeguarding Officer

  • Marion Johnson

    Marion Johnson

    PCC Member

  • Joanne Fox - PCC Member

    Joanne Fox

    PCC Member

  • Humberto Galindo - PCC Member

    Humberto Galindo

    PCC Member

  • Shola Oguntimilehin

    Shola Oguntimilehin

    PCC Member

  • Daniel Powell

    Estate Missioner

  • Caroline Chittock - Estate Missioner & Sacristan

    Caroline Chittock

    Estate Missioner & Sacristan

Where to Find Us

St Philip & St Mark’s
Avondale Square
London
SE1 5PD

Vicar: Revd Helen Harknett

hhharknett@gmail.com

+447557093585

Day off: Monday