Building Our Future Together
Over 3,000 members of our community have pledged their support
Together, we are preserving 120 years of heritage and building a vibrant centre for faith, community, and service
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 has been established by parishioners to secure the future of our exceptional neo-Romanesque church and expand our community outreach. Built in 1905-1906 by architect Eugène Gervais, 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: The Trust is working with the Augustinians of the Assumption and the Archdiocese to secure the long-term future of our church. We have presented a fully costed plan to accept the gift of the church building, preserving our parish whilst supporting the Assumptionist mission across the South of England.
Our Lady of Grace Church: Architectural & Heritage Significance
Our Lady of Grace Church is currently under formal assessment for statutory listing (Historic England Reference: 1494732). 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 Gervais.
The church requires essential conservation work including roof repairs, structural stabilisation, and preservation of Fr Gregory Chedal's exceptional hand-carved woodwork (1925-1927). A professional Conservation Plan addressing the church has been completed by the University of Kent team, with specialist structural assessment by Stuart Tappin regarding the pioneering reinforced concrete system.
Highcombe House (Grade II listed presbytery) has been designated Heritage at Risk by Historic England (July 2025) and forms part of the wider conservation strategy.
📄 Heritage Documentation Available
Download the complete professional heritage assessment and conservation strategy:
- • Heritage Statement - Karydis & Harrington
- • Conservation Strategy - Karydis & Harrington
- • Trust Statement of Support - Conservation Plan
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. The Trust is undertaking essential conservation work following Historic England guidance, 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 & Heritage at Risk • Our Lady of Grace Church (1905-1906) designed by architect Eugène Gervais
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
- Structural stabilisation of pioneering reinforced concrete framework
- 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: 60-50-01
Account Number: 79136834
Reference: Your name + 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