THE Bishop of London paid a visit to a church to mark 130 years since its consecration. Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, visited St Augustine s Church in Kilburn Park Road, south Kilburn, on Wednesday last week and celebrated High Mass with the con

THE Bishop of London paid a visit to a church to mark 130 years since its consecration.

Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, visited St Augustine's Church in Kilburn Park Road, south Kilburn, on Wednesday last week and celebrated High Mass with the congregation.

The church, nicknamed 'The Cathedral of North London' for its large ornate features, was first consecrated 130 years ago on St Matthias Day, February 24, 1880 by the then Bishop of London, Bishop Jackson.

Dr Chartres said: "The church is called to be a transforming community, opening up the present to God's future as we see it in the life of Jesus Christ."

Vicar of St Augustine's, Rev Canon Anthony Yates, said: "Not only is St Augustine's an architectural gem, it is a community rich in Victorian church history with a consistent tradition at worship, prayer, pastoral care and witness to the Faith."

St Augustine was chosen as patron in order to highlight the continuity of faith and practice since 597, when he was sent by Pope St Gregory to evangelise the English and became the first Archbishop of Canterbury.

Visit www.saint-augustine.org.uk for more information about the church and its history.