Contents

The Guild Church of St Margaret Pattens

in the City of London

About us - an introduction to the Church

by

The Reverend Hugh Thomas, Priest in Charge

This Page gives a summary of all that goes on at St Margaret Pattens, with links to information on its activities, history and architecture.  For example, if you are wondering why our church is so called, see the page 'Our Name'.

St Margaret Pattens is an Anglican church in the Diocese of London - one of 39 in the 'Square Mile' of the City of London, and one of 12 designated 'Guild Church' as opposed to 'Parish Church'.  For an explanation of the term 'Guild Church' see the page 'What is a Guild Church?'. 

All the churches within the 'square mile' are represented by the The City of London Deanery.

As a Guild Church, we have a regular weekday, rather than a Sunday congregation, drawn mostly from people who work nearby.  As well as the support of our weekday congregation, we are also grateful for the financial support of The Friends of St Margaret Pattens Church (the "Friends").

Our main service is held on Thursdays at 1.15 p.m. when we hold a service of Holy Communion with a 10-minute address followed by refreshments.  Special services are also held from time to time.  Details of our Ministry and Services are to be found on the pages 'Our Ministry' and 'Services Schedule' respectively. 

On Sundays the Church is used by the St Stephen Charismatic Episcopal Church (formerly the Charismatic Episcopal Church London Anglo-Filipino Mission). Website: http://www.iccec.org.  

The Church has close links with two of the City's Livery Companies - the The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers and the The  Worshipful Company of Basketmakers.

The Church is home to The Busoga Trust, a Christian charitable organisation which seeks to provide clean water sources in rural areas of Uganda.

The Church has its own voluntary choir, and regularly hosts concerts of classical music and jazz.  Details of all musical activities are to be found on the page 'Music at St Margaret's'.

The Church also plays host to a number of secular organisations who hire our meeting room at various times during the week.  Relevant information about these activities may be found on the page 'Other Activities'.   

Finally a word on the building.  The Church was built by Sir Christopher Wren between 1684 and 1687,  It is one of 51 City churches rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666.   The neighbouring parish of St Gabriel Fen, whose church had also been destroyed in the Fire, was then united with St Margaret’s. 

Please click here for a brief History of the Church, or take a short tour by  clicking on 'Tour of the Church'.  One tradition of our Church is the commemoration of the death of King Charles the First at a special service which is held annually on the Thursday closest to 30th January.   See 'Traditions'.

We look forward to seeing you at St Margaret Pattens, either at one of our services or concerts, or as a casual visitor.  See the page 'How to find us'.