Preserving Heritage, Building Community
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Our Lady of Grace Church (1905-1906) - One of England's earliest reinforced concrete churches
Photo: Paul Wilkinson (CC BY 2.0)
Mass celebrated in Our Lady of Grace Church - the spiritual heart of our diverse community serving over 500 parishioners
The Our Lady of Grace Parish Buildings Preservation Trust was established by parishioners in May 2025 to secure the future of our exceptional neo-Romanesque church and the historic buildings around it. With the church now in the care of the Archdiocese of Southwark, the Trust's work centres on the wider precinct. Built in 1905-1906 by architect Eugène-Jacques Gervais (1852-1943), Our Lady of Grace Church represents pioneering reinforced concrete construction and serves as the spiritual home for over 500 regular parishioners and the adjacent Catholic primary school.
View from Highcombe House - our vibrant parish community representing over 30 countries united in faith and service
Working Together for Our Future: In June 2026 the church and its land passed to the Archdiocese of Southwark, securing its future as the parish church of Charlton. The Trust's work now centres on the adjacent buildings of the precinct, Highcombe House, the Parish Hall, and the former school, and on the historic gardens, in collaboration with the Augustinians of the Assumption as freeholders and in support of their continuing mission.
Our Lady of Grace Church: Architectural & Heritage Significance
Our Lady of Grace Church was the subject of a listing application to Historic England in July 2025 (Reference: 1494732). Following Historic England's initial decision, the Trust is preparing a fresh submission on the same evidence base. The application is supported by comprehensive heritage documentation prepared by Dr Nikolaos Karydis and Dr Cassandra Harrington of the University of Kent, confirming the church as one of the earliest reinforced concrete churches in England and a rare example of neo-Romanesque ecclesiastical architecture designed by French architect Eugène-Jacques Gervais (1852-1943).
The church's conservation needs include roof repairs, structural attention, and the care of Fr Gregory Chedal's exceptional hand-carved woodwork (1925-1927); the Trust supports the parish's restoration programme with heritage and technical advice. A Conservation Plan addressing the church has been completed by the University of Kent team, with structural assessment of the nave by Stuart Tappin confirming a routine maintenance approach. The specific reinforced concrete system used at Our Lady of Grace awaits formal confirmation through further specialist analysis.
Highcombe House (Grade II listed Regency villa, historically the presbytery) has been on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register since July 2025 and is the focus of the Trust's conservation strategy for the precinct.
Heritage Documentation
The Trust's commissioned heritage authority comprises the Heritage Statement and Conservation Strategy prepared by Dr Nikolaos Karydis and Dr Cassandra Harrington of the University of Kent, together with the Trust Statement in Support of the Conservation Plan. These documents are available to statutory consultees, grant funders, and academic correspondents on request through the Trust Secretary.
Watch heritage presentations and Trust updates:
Visit Our YouTube ChannelOur Lady of Grace Church and Highcombe House represent over 120 years of Catholic faith and service in Southeast London, established by the Assumptionists who have served our community since 1903. In 2025 the Trust carried out emergency stabilisation works at Highcombe House following Historic England's site visit, including roof stabilisation, rainwater goods clearance, and protective measures for historic fabric.
Families and children gathering at historic Highcombe House - where generations come together in faith and community
Our Diverse Community: Working for the Good of All
From Ireland to Uganda: United in Faith and Service
Our Lady of Grace is a vibrant, diverse community with people from over 30 countries, rooted here in Charlton and passionate about making our neighbourhood stronger. We believe the challenges of our times, particularly increased isolation, are a call to action, a chance for us to reach out to one another with love, care, and community.
"Love and charity are service, helping others, serving others."
Pope Francis
Community gathering with historic Highcombe House in the background - generations coming together on the historic grounds
Douglas, our dedicated 94-year-old organist - embodying generations of faithful service to the parish
Fr Hyacinth sharing a moment with parishioners - building community connections
Our Vision for 2026: Growing Our Community Outreach
We are seeking funding to launch an exciting new phase in our community's development, providing year-round services including:
- Youth Group: Free of charge, engaging around 100 young people each month with games, creative activities, mentoring, and life skills workshops such as budgeting and teamwork
- Older People's Outreach: Supporting about 200 older residents monthly through coffee mornings, book clubs, art therapy sessions, and IT drop-ins to reduce loneliness and build confidence
- Community Events: Celebrations like International Day, Valentine's evenings, and Christmas lunches bringing neighbours together across generations and cultures
- Weekly Food Bank: Providing essential support to families and individuals in need
"The measure of the greatness of a society is found in the way it treats those most in need."
Pope Francis
Whilst preserving our historic buildings, we recognise and support the Assumptionists' continuing mission across the South of England. Our proposal ensures the church buildings remain dedicated to Catholic worship and community service whilst allowing the Assumptionists to focus their resources on their wider apostolic work.
Highcombe House (c.1825) Grade II Listed and Heritage at Risk. Our Lady of Grace Church (1905-1906) designed by architect Eugène-Jacques Gervais (1852-1943).
Discover the fascinating 1,000-year history of our site →
Support Our Heritage and Community Mission
Your contributions support both essential heritage conservation and our growing community outreach:
- Essential repairs to church roof and rainwater systems
- Conservation of the church's pioneering reinforced concrete fabric
- Conservation of Fr Gregory Chedal's hand-carved woodwork (1925-1927)
- Youth programmes reaching 100 young people monthly
- Older people's outreach supporting 200 residents monthly
- Community events bringing together people from over 30 countries
- Weekly food bank serving families in need
- Heritage grant applications requiring match funding
Bank Transfer
For those who prefer traditional giving
Sort Code: 50-10-29
Account Number: 28957776
Reference: Your name
Donations through this account are received and held by the Trust.
Major Sponsorship Opportunity
Heritage Conservation and Community Development Programme
The Trust seeks major sponsors able to commit £5,000 or more to support our dual mission: preserving architecturally exceptional buildings designated Heritage at Risk whilst expanding community outreach programmes serving young people, older residents, and families across our diverse parish.
Sponsorship demonstrates leadership in both heritage conservation and community development, ensuring our parish continues its mission of faith and service whilst building a vibrant centre for the wider Charlton community.
For sponsorship discussions, please contact:
sponsor@ologtrust.org.uk
Highcombe House and Our Lady of Grace Church at sunrise
The historic buildings continue their mission of faith and service in the heart of modern Charlton
© Fennec Media Ltd
Our Mission
To preserve Our Lady of Grace Church, a pioneering example of reinforced concrete ecclesiastical architecture and rare neo-Romanesque design, ensuring it continues serving as the spiritual home for our parish community and Catholic primary school.
Working Together
The Trust collaborates with Historic England, heritage professionals, and the Archdiocese to implement professional conservation standards, securing the church's future as a centre of Catholic worship for generations to come.
Building a Legacy of Faith and Service
Your support ensures Our Lady of Grace Church and Highcombe House continue as vibrant centres of Catholic worship and community life for generations to come. Together, we are preserving irreplaceable architectural heritage whilst expanding our outreach to young people, older residents, and families across our diverse community of over 30 countries. Join us in building a parish that serves all who need us.
Contact Us
General enquiries: contact@ologtrust.org.uk
Sponsorship: sponsor@ologtrust.org.uk
Post: 145 Charlton Road, London SE7 7EZ