St Martin-in-the-FieldsTrafalgar SquareLondon WC2N 4JJ

Tel: +44 (0)20 7766 1120Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 5163

www.smitf.org/campaign

Cover illustration: Lucinda Rogers

A message from our Patron:HRH The Princeof WalesThe Renewal of St Martin-in-the-Fields is not just another building project but rather

an inspiring endeavour that celebrates people. It is racing towards completion in early2008, when it will enable a wide range of services to be provided for all who come to St Martin’s, including some of the most vulnerable people, of all ages, who find themselves in distressed circumstances.

The Renewal Project has already captured the hearts of many dedicated supporters. Your involvement will help St Martin’s enhance people’s lives by giving them a welcome in the centre of London, whether they seek a place to worship, a refuge for personalsupport and guidance, the enrichment of top-class music, an award-winning meal orsimply to visit one of London’s world-famous historic landmarks.

Everyone associated with this project has been enormously encouraged by the support wehave received to date. As I write, I’m gladdened by the knowledge that as of 1st October2006, we have secured over 75% of the £36 million required from generous donorsthroughout the world. More money is needed, however, to complete the project. I hope you will feel moved to emulate the commitment of so many of our donors who have given at the top of their capability and help us raise the balance.

I look forward to celebrating with you the opening of a magnificently renewed St Martin’s in 2008.

Ian Henderson CBEChairman

Thank you for your interest in this truly amazing project.

Left: Ian Henderson CBE

Above: Architect, Eric Parrypresents the project to HRH The Prince of Wales,www.kmphotos.com

Trafalgar Square is one of the most important sites in the UK and a popular tourist attractionknown throughout the world. The recent improvements to the Square have brought numerousbenefits to visitors and Londoners alike and, in creating a more accessible space for pedestrians,has opened up Trafalgar Square as a grand piazza.

But one missing constituent in all of the work has been the renewal of the spiritual; cities andcountries need space in which people can rest and be restored and inspired for their overall healthand sense of well-being. In the corner of the Square stands the great church of St Martin-in-the-Fields, one of the vital parts of our national heritage and social fabric – a meeting place betweenheaven and earth.

For the first hundred years of the life of the present church building, it was hemmed in and hiddenand it was not until Trafalgar Square was laid out in 1829 that its full grace and beauty was revealed.In the end it became the model church throughout New England and much of North America andthe Commonwealth. Those who built the church in the 1720s were criticised for its great expense;two hundred and eighty years later, few capital investments have been so worthwhile. The church’sopenness to the world, its constant creativity and care of those in need, its international outlook andcommitment to people of other faiths are of striking significance in our time.

Now St Martin’s buildings urgently need to be restored, the spiritual completion to the re-workingof Trafalgar Square. Eric Parry Architects has produced an intelligent and elegant solution to anunusually complex and sensitive architectural problem. This process has been supported throughthe involvement of my Foundation for the Built Environment and I am delighted to have beenasked to be Patron of the campaign to realise this innovative scheme.

These bold plans will, I believe, equip St Martin’s for service in the twenty-first century and beyond.In the very best sense, it is an act of faith on the part of what many consider London’s parishchurch and the campaign is a most worthy one.

at the heart 01

A message from our Patron:HRH The Princeof WalesThe Renewal of St Martin-in-the-Fields is not just another building project but rather

an inspiring endeavour that celebrates people. It is racing towards completion in early2008, when it will enable a wide range of services to be provided for all who come to St Martin’s, including some of the most vulnerable people, of all ages, who find themselves in distressed circumstances.

The Renewal Project has already captured the hearts of many dedicated supporters. Your involvement will help St Martin’s enhance people’s lives by giving them a welcome in the centre of London, whether they seek a place to worship, a refuge for personalsupport and guidance, the enrichment of top-class music, an award-winning meal orsimply to visit one of London’s world-famous historic landmarks.

Everyone associated with this project has been enormously encouraged by the support wehave received to date. As I write, I’m gladdened by the knowledge that as of 1st October2006, we have secured over 75% of the £36 million required from generous donorsthroughout the world. More money is needed, however, to complete the project. I hope you will feel moved to emulate the commitment of so many of our donors who have given at the top of their capability and help us raise the balance.

I look forward to celebrating with you the opening of a magnificently renewed St Martin’s in 2008.

Ian Henderson CBEChairman

Thank you for your interest in this truly amazing project.

Left: Ian Henderson CBE

Above: Architect, Eric Parrypresents the project to HRH The Prince of Wales,www.kmphotos.com

Trafalgar Square is one of the most important sites in the UK and a popular tourist attractionknown throughout the world. The recent improvements to the Square have brought numerousbenefits to visitors and Londoners alike and, in creating a more accessible space for pedestrians,has opened up Trafalgar Square as a grand piazza.

But one missing constituent in all of the work has been the renewal of the spiritual; cities andcountries need space in which people can rest and be restored and inspired for their overall healthand sense of well-being. In the corner of the Square stands the great church of St Martin-in-the-Fields, one of the vital parts of our national heritage and social fabric – a meeting place betweenheaven and earth.

For the first hundred years of the life of the present church building, it was hemmed in and hiddenand it was not until Trafalgar Square was laid out in 1829 that its full grace and beauty was revealed.In the end it became the model church throughout New England and much of North America andthe Commonwealth. Those who built the church in the 1720s were criticised for its great expense;two hundred and eighty years later, few capital investments have been so worthwhile. The church’sopenness to the world, its constant creativity and care of those in need, its international outlook andcommitment to people of other faiths are of striking significance in our time.

Now St Martin’s buildings urgently need to be restored, the spiritual completion to the re-workingof Trafalgar Square. Eric Parry Architects has produced an intelligent and elegant solution to anunusually complex and sensitive architectural problem. This process has been supported throughthe involvement of my Foundation for the Built Environment and I am delighted to have beenasked to be Patron of the campaign to realise this innovative scheme.

These bold plans will, I believe, equip St Martin’s for service in the twenty-first century and beyond.In the very best sense, it is an act of faith on the part of what many consider London’s parishchurch and the campaign is a most worthy one.

at the heart 01

The Renewal of St Martin-in-the-Fields is aimed at improvingour ability to care for those inneed and provide inspiration to all who visit.

at the heart 02/03

316 Saint Martin born intoa pagan family inPanonia, now Hungary

397 Saint Martin dies andis buried in Tours, France,and becomes the firstnon-martyred saint

300s

St Martin-in-the-Fields is a landmark church inthe heart of London and is well-known for itswelcoming atmosphere, popular classical and jazz concerts, and historic James Gibbsarchitecture. At its heart is a practical andhospitable Christianity that comforts andcares for those in need and inspires all whovisit. It holds regular church services in English,Mandarin and Cantonese, and offers socialcare services for London’s Chinesecommunity and for homeless people.

The Renewal of St Martin-in-the-Fields willcreate modern facilities in what was once a series of Victorian burial vaults, whichhave inadequately housed many of StMartin’s services for decades.

The aim of the Renewal Project is to enable StMartin’s to serve those in greatest need, andenrich people’s lives through worship, socialcare and internationally renowned musicalperformances, in spaces fit for the purpose.

Left: View of St Martin-in-the-Fields from Trafalgar Square, www.andrewputler.comAbove (left): Imperial College String Ensemble performs in the church, Sze Kiat Chan Above (right): Members of the Bishop Ho Ming Wah Chinese Community Centre prepare food for the Lunch Club, David Lindsay

The Renewal of St Martin-in-the-Fields is aimed at improvingour ability to care for those inneed and provide inspiration to all who visit.

at the heart 02/03

316 Saint Martin born intoa pagan family inPanonia, now Hungary

397 Saint Martin dies andis buried in Tours, France,and becomes the firstnon-martyred saint

300s

St Martin-in-the-Fields is a landmark church inthe heart of London and is well-known for itswelcoming atmosphere, popular classical and jazz concerts, and historic James Gibbsarchitecture. At its heart is a practical andhospitable Christianity that comforts andcares for those in need and inspires all whovisit. It holds regular church services in English,Mandarin and Cantonese, and offers socialcare services for London’s Chinesecommunity and for homeless people.

The Renewal of St Martin-in-the-Fields willcreate modern facilities in what was once a series of Victorian burial vaults, whichhave inadequately housed many of StMartin’s services for decades.

The aim of the Renewal Project is to enable StMartin’s to serve those in greatest need, andenrich people’s lives through worship, socialcare and internationally renowned musicalperformances, in spaces fit for the purpose.

Left: View of St Martin-in-the-Fields from Trafalgar Square, www.andrewputler.comAbove (left): Imperial College String Ensemble performs in the church, Sze Kiat Chan Above (right): Members of the Bishop Ho Ming Wah Chinese Community Centre prepare food for the Lunch Club, David Lindsay

at the heart 04/05

1222 First mention of achurch on site, probablyused by the monks ofWestminster farming the land that is nowCovent Garden

1536 King Henry VIIIcreates the new parishof ‘Saynte Martyns-yn-the-Ffelds’– so thatbodies of plague victimscould be buried thereand not carried throughhis palace on Whitehall!

1560 Francis Bacon, futurewriter, philosopher andstatesman is baptised at St Martin’s

1200s – 1500s

“St Martin-in-the-Fields is one of England’sgreat parish churches. The extent of its international ministry means that the Renewal Project also matters to the worldwide Anglican Communion.”The Most Revd & Rt Hon Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury

Imagine James Gibbs’ creation, one ofBritain’s finest churches – and one of themost architecturally imitated churches in the world – restored and preserved for the benefit of future generations.

Imagine dynamic, modern spaces, purpose-built for social care and community activitiesand fully accessible for the first time.

Imagine a striking glass entrance pavilion,inviting you to experience the newly connectedspaces: the Café in the Crypt, the Bishop Ho Ming Wah Chinese Community Centre,purpose-designed spaces for performers andmusic rehearsals, a new chapel and newcommunity meeting rooms.

Imagine the refurbishment of TrafalgarSquare, an international landmark and visitor attraction, completed by a renewed St Martin’s, welcoming the millions who visit Central London each year.

Imagine a quiet, peaceful courtyard, whichsits above the bustle and noise of the busystreets and significantly enhances London’spublic spaces.

Imagine being at the heart of making thishappen by becoming a supporter of thisinspirational project.

A Vision for the Future:

Opposite: A client of TheConnection at St Martin’s receives medical care, David Lindsay

Far left: The Connection at StMartin’s Workspace programmeoffers clients pathways into work,David Lindsay

Left: T’ai Chi lessons at the Ho Ming Wah, David Lindsay

at the heart 04/05

1222 First mention of achurch on site, probablyused by the monks ofWestminster farming the land that is nowCovent Garden

1536 King Henry VIIIcreates the new parishof ‘Saynte Martyns-yn-the-Ffelds’– so thatbodies of plague victimscould be buried thereand not carried throughhis palace on Whitehall!

1560 Francis Bacon, futurewriter, philosopher andstatesman is baptised at St Martin’s

1200s – 1500s

“St Martin-in-the-Fields is one of England’sgreat parish churches. The extent of its international ministry means that the Renewal Project also matters to the worldwide Anglican Communion.”The Most Revd & Rt Hon Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury

Imagine James Gibbs’ creation, one ofBritain’s finest churches – and one of themost architecturally imitated churches in the world – restored and preserved for the benefit of future generations.

Imagine dynamic, modern spaces, purpose-built for social care and community activitiesand fully accessible for the first time.

Imagine a striking glass entrance pavilion,inviting you to experience the newly connectedspaces: the Café in the Crypt, the Bishop Ho Ming Wah Chinese Community Centre,purpose-designed spaces for performers andmusic rehearsals, a new chapel and newcommunity meeting rooms.

Imagine the refurbishment of TrafalgarSquare, an international landmark and visitor attraction, completed by a renewed St Martin’s, welcoming the millions who visit Central London each year.

Imagine a quiet, peaceful courtyard, whichsits above the bustle and noise of the busystreets and significantly enhances London’spublic spaces.

Imagine being at the heart of making thishappen by becoming a supporter of thisinspirational project.

A Vision for the Future:

Opposite: A client of TheConnection at St Martin’s receives medical care, David Lindsay

Far left: The Connection at StMartin’s Workspace programmeoffers clients pathways into work,David Lindsay

Left: T’ai Chi lessons at the Ho Ming Wah, David Lindsay

at the heart 06/07

The history of St Martin’s

There has been a church on this site since atleast the 13th century – in those days it wasin the midst of the fields farmed by monksfrom Westminster Abbey – and a vibrant andevolving community grew around it.

As the city around the church expanded, the fields gave way to homes and businesses and the medieval church was rebuilt to servea growing population. In 1721 work beganon the famous church that now stands on Trafalgar Square. It was designed by theScottish architect James Gibbs, and the mostskilled craftsmen and the best materialsavailable were employed to create the finestchurch of its day.

For the first hundred years of its life, Gibbs’18th century church was hemmed in by amedieval streetscape, until John Nash, pre-eminent architect of his era, liberated the siteby re-ordering the area (and much of centralLondon) in the 1820s. His redesign formedthe church path to the north of the church,created a terrace of three buildings nowknown as the North Range, and laid out thecourtyard around the church.

1600s

Above (left): An engraving of the church in 1721Above (right): The Café in the Crypt, www.andrewputler.comOpposite (left): Detail of the church ceiling, www.andrewputler.comOpposite (right): The altar, www.andrewputler.com

“Using a church building in varied ways is an effective way of securing its future. St Martin’s is a major landmark in London –but it represents much more to the peoplewho visit it, and those who benefit from thecommunity activities it offers. I am pleasedthat the restoration project at St Martin’s will help the church to engage with moresectors of the community and I wish theproject every success.”The Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Minister for Culture

1665 Great Plague spreads throughoutEngland – manyvictims are buried in St Martin’s graveyard, where the NationalPortrait Gallerynow stands

1687 Charles II’s mistress, Nell Gwyn, is buried in the crypt of St Martin’s. She bequeaths £100 ‘for the poor of St Martin’s and St James’’

at the heart 06/07

The history of St Martin’s

There has been a church on this site since atleast the 13th century – in those days it wasin the midst of the fields farmed by monksfrom Westminster Abbey – and a vibrant andevolving community grew around it.

As the city around the church expanded, the fields gave way to homes and businesses and the medieval church was rebuilt to servea growing population. In 1721 work beganon the famous church that now stands on Trafalgar Square. It was designed by theScottish architect James Gibbs, and the mostskilled craftsmen and the best materialsavailable were employed to create the finestchurch of its day.

For the first hundred years of its life, Gibbs’18th century church was hemmed in by amedieval streetscape, until John Nash, pre-eminent architect of his era, liberated the siteby re-ordering the area (and much of centralLondon) in the 1820s. His redesign formedthe church path to the north of the church,created a terrace of three buildings nowknown as the North Range, and laid out thecourtyard around the church.

1600s

Above (left): An engraving of the church in 1721Above (right): The Café in the Crypt, www.andrewputler.comOpposite (left): Detail of the church ceiling, www.andrewputler.comOpposite (right): The altar, www.andrewputler.com

“Using a church building in varied ways is an effective way of securing its future. St Martin’s is a major landmark in London –but it represents much more to the peoplewho visit it, and those who benefit from thecommunity activities it offers. I am pleasedthat the restoration project at St Martin’s will help the church to engage with moresectors of the community and I wish theproject every success.”The Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Minister for Culture

1665 Great Plague spreads throughoutEngland – manyvictims are buried in St Martin’s graveyard, where the NationalPortrait Gallerynow stands

1687 Charles II’s mistress, Nell Gwyn, is buried in the crypt of St Martin’s. She bequeaths £100 ‘for the poor of St Martin’s and St James’’

at the heart 08/09

The influence and reputation of St Martin-in-the-Fields for supporting the oppressed andneedy extend around the world.

St Martin’s welcomes people regardless oftheir circumstances, with the first record of a collection for the poor dating from 1547.London's first free lending library wasestablished here in the 1680s and the parishschools were among the first to offer free

education for girls as well as boys. In 1914,the vicar, Revd Dick Sheppard, felt compelledto open the church to give refuge to soldiersin transit to and from the front lines duringWorld War I. This was the start of the fightagainst homelessness; work that continuestoday through The Connection at St Martin's.

The 20th century saw many otherdevelopments including the first-ever broadcastof a religious service and the first radio appealto help poor and homeless people. The lattercontinues to this day as the Vicar’s ChristmasAppeal – now in its 80th year. More recentlythe church has embraced commercialenterprise as a means of sustaining itsspiritual and charitable activities.

The spirit of Saint Martin: The church takes its namefrom the 4th century Saint Martin of Tours who, on a coldwinter’s day, cut his soldier’s cloak in two to share it witha beggar. That night, the beggar returned to him in adream as Christ: “for as much as you did it to one of theleast of these, you did it to me” (Matthew ch 25 vs 40).

IND

EPTH

A sanctuary for all

The aspiration for a church of ‘the ever-opendoor’ is reflected in the way St Martin’swelcomes people from around the world. Inthe 18th century Olaudah Equiano, a freedblack slave, worshipped at St Martin’s – oneof the churches involved in the foundation of the Church of England’s main overseasmission societies. In the 20th century, St Martin’s has given sanctuary to Jewishrefugees, was prominent in the Anti-Apartheid Movement, and provided ameeting place for members of London’sChinese community (particularly overseasstudents and older people isolated from their families).

In 1966 St Martin’s hosted the firstCommonwealth Day Observance, bringingtogether people of different faiths andnationalities. This simple service provoked astorm of protest and debate, but thanks tothe Queen and the Dean of WestminsterAbbey, it has continued ever since. In this way St Martin’s led in the building of goodrelationships with other faiths. Followingrecent acts of terrorism in New York, Bali,Istanbul and London, the church has heldmajor services in which leaders of other faiths have prayed for unity and peace.

The Jewish community, in particular, hasmade an important contribution to theRenewal Project in the form of significantfinancial gifts and support. Rabbi Mark Winer(Rabbi of the West London Synagogue) is one of our Advisors and in February 2006Rabbi Alexandra Wright (Rabbi of the LiberalJewish Synagogue) said prayers at theBlessing and Ground-breaking Ceremony,which also included Islamic prayers for thisopen and hospitable Christian church.

St Martin’s has inspired people for centuries.The Renewal Project will enable the glory ofthis church and its work to be celebrated andenjoyed by future generations.

1691 Robert Boyle, thenatural philosopher,chemist and one of thefounders of the RoyalSociety, is buried at St Martin’s

1699 High school for Girlsfounded to complementArchbishop Tenison’sSchool for Boys

Above: Church interior, www.andrewputler.com

at the heart 08/09

The influence and reputation of St Martin-in-the-Fields for supporting the oppressed andneedy extend around the world.

St Martin’s welcomes people regardless oftheir circumstances, with the first record of a collection for the poor dating from 1547.London's first free lending library wasestablished here in the 1680s and the parishschools were among the first to offer free

education for girls as well as boys. In 1914,the vicar, Revd Dick Sheppard, felt compelledto open the church to give refuge to soldiersin transit to and from the front lines duringWorld War I. This was the start of the fightagainst homelessness; work that continuestoday through The Connection at St Martin's.

The 20th century saw many otherdevelopments including the first-ever broadcastof a religious service and the first radio appealto help poor and homeless people. The lattercontinues to this day as the Vicar’s ChristmasAppeal – now in its 80th year. More recentlythe church has embraced commercialenterprise as a means of sustaining itsspiritual and charitable activities.

The spirit of Saint Martin: The church takes its namefrom the 4th century Saint Martin of Tours who, on a coldwinter’s day, cut his soldier’s cloak in two to share it witha beggar. That night, the beggar returned to him in adream as Christ: “for as much as you did it to one of theleast of these, you did it to me” (Matthew ch 25 vs 40).

IND

EPTH

A sanctuary for all

The aspiration for a church of ‘the ever-opendoor’ is reflected in the way St Martin’swelcomes people from around the world. Inthe 18th century Olaudah Equiano, a freedblack slave, worshipped at St Martin’s – oneof the churches involved in the foundation of the Church of England’s main overseasmission societies. In the 20th century, St Martin’s has given sanctuary to Jewishrefugees, was prominent in the Anti-Apartheid Movement, and provided ameeting place for members of London’sChinese community (particularly overseasstudents and older people isolated from their families).

In 1966 St Martin’s hosted the firstCommonwealth Day Observance, bringingtogether people of different faiths andnationalities. This simple service provoked astorm of protest and debate, but thanks tothe Queen and the Dean of WestminsterAbbey, it has continued ever since. In this way St Martin’s led in the building of goodrelationships with other faiths. Followingrecent acts of terrorism in New York, Bali,Istanbul and London, the church has heldmajor services in which leaders of other faiths have prayed for unity and peace.

The Jewish community, in particular, hasmade an important contribution to theRenewal Project in the form of significantfinancial gifts and support. Rabbi Mark Winer(Rabbi of the West London Synagogue) is one of our Advisors and in February 2006Rabbi Alexandra Wright (Rabbi of the LiberalJewish Synagogue) said prayers at theBlessing and Ground-breaking Ceremony,which also included Islamic prayers for thisopen and hospitable Christian church.

St Martin’s has inspired people for centuries.The Renewal Project will enable the glory ofthis church and its work to be celebrated andenjoyed by future generations.

1691 Robert Boyle, thenatural philosopher,chemist and one of thefounders of the RoyalSociety, is buried at St Martin’s

1699 High school for Girlsfounded to complementArchbishop Tenison’sSchool for Boys

Above: Church interior, www.andrewputler.com

James Gibbs’ 1726 masterpiece will becompletely restored for the first time. Floorsadded by the Victorians above the entrancevestibules will be removed, reinstating theiroriginal height and allowing light from thewest into the church. The coloured glasswindows, put in after the Victorian stained-glass was destroyed by a bomb blast in World War II, will be replaced with clear glass, similar to Gibbs’ plan.

The aim is to maximise natural light in thechurch and bring it closer to the originalBaroque design. The glorious decorativeplaster work of the ceiling will be restored; thepulpit will be relocated to improve the sight-lines for congregation and audiences; and thesanctuary will be reordered to allow greaterflexibility for worship and concerts.

The exterior of the church will be thoroughlycleaned and restored. The Renewal Projectwill also see extensive refurbishment of JohnNash’s North Range, which encompasses theVestry Hall and parish offices, Vicarage andThe Connection at St Martin’s.

This project bridges therestoration of one of Britain’sbest-known churches with thecreation of modern spaces fit to serve our future needs.

at the heart 10/11

Restoration of the church

1700s

1710 Survey of the churchreveals that walls arebuilt of rubble and canno longer support theroof – the Vestry (church council) agree to a complete rebuild

1720 24th November,James Gibbs isappointed architect and surveyor for the new church; thefoundation stone is laid six months later

1723 Three Presbyterianministers fromConnecticut areconfirmed and ordainedin the newly completedSt Martin’s. Onebecomes first Presidentof what is now ColumbiaUniversity, another thefirst Rector of the OldNorth Church, Boston

Opposite: Visualisation of the new entrance pavilion on Church Path, Eric Parry Architects

James Gibbs’ 1726 masterpiece will becompletely restored for the first time. Floorsadded by the Victorians above the entrancevestibules will be removed, reinstating theiroriginal height and allowing light from thewest into the church. The coloured glasswindows, put in after the Victorian stained-glass was destroyed by a bomb blast in World War II, will be replaced with clear glass, similar to Gibbs’ plan.

The aim is to maximise natural light in thechurch and bring it closer to the originalBaroque design. The glorious decorativeplaster work of the ceiling will be restored; thepulpit will be relocated to improve the sight-lines for congregation and audiences; and thesanctuary will be reordered to allow greaterflexibility for worship and concerts.

The exterior of the church will be thoroughlycleaned and restored. The Renewal Projectwill also see extensive refurbishment of JohnNash’s North Range, which encompasses theVestry Hall and parish offices, Vicarage andThe Connection at St Martin’s.

This project bridges therestoration of one of Britain’sbest-known churches with thecreation of modern spaces fit to serve our future needs.

at the heart 10/11

Restoration of the church

1700s

1710 Survey of the churchreveals that walls arebuilt of rubble and canno longer support theroof – the Vestry (church council) agree to a complete rebuild

1720 24th November,James Gibbs isappointed architect and surveyor for the new church; thefoundation stone is laid six months later

1723 Three Presbyterianministers fromConnecticut areconfirmed and ordainedin the newly completedSt Martin’s. Onebecomes first Presidentof what is now ColumbiaUniversity, another thefirst Rector of the OldNorth Church, Boston

Opposite: Visualisation of the new entrance pavilion on Church Path, Eric Parry Architects

Working with Gibbs in the 21st century: Eric Parry,architect of the Renewal Project, explores the challenges of working with Gibbs’ masterpiece.

IND

EPTH

Transforming St Martin’s Spaces

Eric Parry Architects’ (EPA) plan addresses the lack of clarity that was the result of nearlythree centuries of organic development. EPA’sclean and classic design for the new publicspaces and entrance foyer includes a strikingglass pavilion set into Church Path. It willhouse a winding staircase and lift to takevisitors to a public reception area, whichincludes the box office, gift shop, Brass-Rubbing Centre and an exhibition of thehistory and social involvement of the church.

The pavilion itself is likely to become a well-known landmark on the edge of TrafalgarSquare, and the installation of a lift willcontribute towards making St Martin’s fullyaccessible for the first time. The widenedChurch Path will be shaped by moving theJohn Nash railings closer to the church henceoffering a better route for pedestrians in this busy area.

at the heart 12/13

“Designing in the shadow of a greatarchitect’s work is an inspiring and touchingtask in many ways... The most obvious isthat buildings speak to us of their history. In the case of the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields, every stone, detail, proportionand the spaces themselves are witness tothe creative effort of the years 1720-26, by the architect, client and craftsmen.

“We are very lucky that the evidence ofearly alternative schemes, such as the roundchurch design, are preserved and that it ispossible to witness the refinement of Gibbs’architectural thinking through the drawingsand a most beautiful model made of pineand mahogany. I can well imagine thedelight of the members of the Vestry andthe Vicar, Zachariah Pearce, when Gibbsrevealed the model, perhaps in a room near the site with daylight from a windowplaying on its newly polished timber.

Cleverly, he also used the model to offerchoice in the articulation of details, thenorth and south elevations of the modelshowing these and therefore inviting hisclients to join him in the excitement of the architectural project.

“The most overt elements of our proposalare the glass walled pavilion and the light-well, that are to be positioned on a widenedChurch Path. This context was created byJohn Nash’s reorganisation of the site andin particular his design for the building ofthe North Range, which pays respect to thechurch and its pivotal position in the urbanlandscape of Trafalgar Square.

“The North wall of Gibbs’ church is amassive, awe-inspiring, vertical andarticulated plane of stone overshadowingChurch Path and protecting his delicateinterior. The pavilion, which will serve as an important entrance to what will be alarge new public space below pavementlevel, echoes the proportions of Gibbs’architecture. The dialogue with Gibbs wasalso essential in the choice of materials: the stone of classical buildings is mimetic ofearlier timber prototypes, and by using glassto create a crystal in the shadow of thisbuilding we are simply another step in that tradition.”

“The project will allow the sacred dimension of life to take its place more confidently withinthe re-balancing of the public realm that hasfollowed the World Squares development.” Eric Parry, Architect

1726 New church building is consecrated

King George I becomes a churchwarden

Handel plays first publicperformance on neworgan and returns oftento play on Sundays

1728 James Gibbs publisheshis Book of Architecture,a folio of his designs, which becomes thepattern book for manychurch builders

Above: Visualisation of the new entrance foyer, Eric Parry Architects

Working with Gibbs in the 21st century: Eric Parry,architect of the Renewal Project, explores the challenges of working with Gibbs’ masterpiece.

IND

EPTH

Transforming St Martin’s Spaces

Eric Parry Architects’ (EPA) plan addresses the lack of clarity that was the result of nearlythree centuries of organic development. EPA’sclean and classic design for the new publicspaces and entrance foyer includes a strikingglass pavilion set into Church Path. It willhouse a winding staircase and lift to takevisitors to a public reception area, whichincludes the box office, gift shop, Brass-Rubbing Centre and an exhibition of thehistory and social involvement of the church.

The pavilion itself is likely to become a well-known landmark on the edge of TrafalgarSquare, and the installation of a lift willcontribute towards making St Martin’s fullyaccessible for the first time. The widenedChurch Path will be shaped by moving theJohn Nash railings closer to the church henceoffering a better route for pedestrians in this busy area.

at the heart 12/13

“Designing in the shadow of a greatarchitect’s work is an inspiring and touchingtask in many ways... The most obvious isthat buildings speak to us of their history. In the case of the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields, every stone, detail, proportionand the spaces themselves are witness tothe creative effort of the years 1720-26, by the architect, client and craftsmen.

“We are very lucky that the evidence ofearly alternative schemes, such as the roundchurch design, are preserved and that it ispossible to witness the refinement of Gibbs’architectural thinking through the drawingsand a most beautiful model made of pineand mahogany. I can well imagine thedelight of the members of the Vestry andthe Vicar, Zachariah Pearce, when Gibbsrevealed the model, perhaps in a room near the site with daylight from a windowplaying on its newly polished timber.

Cleverly, he also used the model to offerchoice in the articulation of details, thenorth and south elevations of the modelshowing these and therefore inviting hisclients to join him in the excitement of the architectural project.

“The most overt elements of our proposalare the glass walled pavilion and the light-well, that are to be positioned on a widenedChurch Path. This context was created byJohn Nash’s reorganisation of the site andin particular his design for the building ofthe North Range, which pays respect to thechurch and its pivotal position in the urbanlandscape of Trafalgar Square.

“The North wall of Gibbs’ church is amassive, awe-inspiring, vertical andarticulated plane of stone overshadowingChurch Path and protecting his delicateinterior. The pavilion, which will serve as an important entrance to what will be alarge new public space below pavementlevel, echoes the proportions of Gibbs’architecture. The dialogue with Gibbs wasalso essential in the choice of materials: the stone of classical buildings is mimetic ofearlier timber prototypes, and by using glassto create a crystal in the shadow of thisbuilding we are simply another step in that tradition.”

“The project will allow the sacred dimension of life to take its place more confidently withinthe re-balancing of the public realm that hasfollowed the World Squares development.” Eric Parry, Architect

1726 New church building is consecrated

King George I becomes a churchwarden

Handel plays first publicperformance on neworgan and returns oftento play on Sundays

1728 James Gibbs publisheshis Book of Architecture,a folio of his designs, which becomes thepattern book for manychurch builders

Above: Visualisation of the new entrance foyer, Eric Parry Architects

Sustainable future of St Martin’s

Donations, grants and sponsorship willremain vital for St Martin’s in the future.However, St Martin-in-the-Fields Ltd is amodel for generating much neededcommercial revenue for charitable activities.With a turnover of £2.5 million and a 10%profit margin, the income from concerts, theCafé in the Crypt and the gift shop will help

sustain the running costs of the newbuildings. The crypt is a popular meetingplace in the centre of London and both Café and Shop are well known for highquality and good value. The Renewal Projectwill contribute to underpinning future revenuefor St Martin’s by enhancing the spaces forthis important social enterprise.

at the heart 14/15

Also set in the widened Church Path will be a light-well to the full depth of the below-ground spaces, bringing natural light to thevarious rooms that will come to denote theheart of St Martin’s activity in music, socialcare, education and worship. The DickSheppard Chapel will be relocated adjacentto the light-well, creating a place for stillnessand reflection with views to the sky andsteeple of James Gibbs’ masterpiece church.

To the east (rear) of the church, the formationof a public courtyard will provide a quiet areawith a new entrance from Adelaide Street.Visitors will be able to rest on benches andstepped, stone-carved seats and enjoy tranquilrespite from the surrounding busy streets.

The area below Church Path and the courtyardwill see the greatest transformation. Here therewere a series of cramped Victorian burial vaults,(already demolished as part of Phase 1 of the Renewal Project). Built in 1830, they weredeclared unfit for the dead by the end of the1850s – but have served the needs of theliving since then, housing the social careorganisations: The Connection and the BishopHo Ming Wah Chinese Community Centre.

1800s

1816 John Constable RA,celebrated Englishlandscape artist, marriesMaria Bicknell at St Martin’s

1830 Architect John Nashdesigns a terrace ofthree buildings; Vicarage,Vestry Hall and school,to be built to the northof the church

1831 Portion of St Martin’sgraveyards removed toprovide space for roadconnecting Pall Mall toStrand. New burialvaults built undergroundto north and east of thechurch – and declared‘unfit for the dead’ lessthan 30 years later

Above (left): Model showing the future transformation of Church Path and the new church courtyard, www.andrewputler.comAbove (right) Cross section of the new underground spaces, Eric Parry ArchitectsOpposite: Visualisation of the new entrance pavilion, Eric Parry Architects

“ St Martin-in-the-Fields is a model of socialinclusion and reflects very much my vision ofa society at ease with itself. It is a haven forthe homeless and the helpless. If our countryhas a soul it lives here, in churches like this.”The Rt Hon John Major CH, Prime Minister (1990-1997)

Sustainable future of St Martin’s

Donations, grants and sponsorship willremain vital for St Martin’s in the future.However, St Martin-in-the-Fields Ltd is amodel for generating much neededcommercial revenue for charitable activities.With a turnover of £2.5 million and a 10%profit margin, the income from concerts, theCafé in the Crypt and the gift shop will help

sustain the running costs of the newbuildings. The crypt is a popular meetingplace in the centre of London and both Café and Shop are well known for highquality and good value. The Renewal Projectwill contribute to underpinning future revenuefor St Martin’s by enhancing the spaces forthis important social enterprise.

at the heart 14/15

Also set in the widened Church Path will be a light-well to the full depth of the below-ground spaces, bringing natural light to thevarious rooms that will come to denote theheart of St Martin’s activity in music, socialcare, education and worship. The DickSheppard Chapel will be relocated adjacentto the light-well, creating a place for stillnessand reflection with views to the sky andsteeple of James Gibbs’ masterpiece church.

To the east (rear) of the church, the formationof a public courtyard will provide a quiet areawith a new entrance from Adelaide Street.Visitors will be able to rest on benches andstepped, stone-carved seats and enjoy tranquilrespite from the surrounding busy streets.

The area below Church Path and the courtyardwill see the greatest transformation. Here therewere a series of cramped Victorian burial vaults,(already demolished as part of Phase 1 of the Renewal Project). Built in 1830, they weredeclared unfit for the dead by the end of the1850s – but have served the needs of theliving since then, housing the social careorganisations: The Connection and the BishopHo Ming Wah Chinese Community Centre.

1800s

1816 John Constable RA,celebrated Englishlandscape artist, marriesMaria Bicknell at St Martin’s

1830 Architect John Nashdesigns a terrace ofthree buildings; Vicarage,Vestry Hall and school,to be built to the northof the church

1831 Portion of St Martin’sgraveyards removed toprovide space for roadconnecting Pall Mall toStrand. New burialvaults built undergroundto north and east of thechurch – and declared‘unfit for the dead’ lessthan 30 years later

Above (left): Model showing the future transformation of Church Path and the new church courtyard, www.andrewputler.comAbove (right) Cross section of the new underground spaces, Eric Parry ArchitectsOpposite: Visualisation of the new entrance pavilion, Eric Parry Architects

“ St Martin-in-the-Fields is a model of socialinclusion and reflects very much my vision ofa society at ease with itself. It is a haven forthe homeless and the helpless. If our countryhas a soul it lives here, in churches like this.”The Rt Hon John Major CH, Prime Minister (1990-1997)

Revd Dick Sheppard’s vision of a church of‘the ever open door’ became a reality in1948 with the creation of what was known as the Social Service Unit, assisting vulnerablepeople in need. Services were provided fromthe Crypt and the Victorian burial vaultsbeneath the church site. In 1989, anotherwelfare charity, The London Connection, took over one of John Nash’s buildings to thenorth of the church to begin helping younghomeless and insecurely housed peoplerebuild their lives. The two organisationsmerged in 2003 and became TheConnection at St Martin’s, now one of thelargest organisations of its kind in the UK.

Each year it helps thousands of people inneed, including: rough sleepers withentrenched street lifestyles and multipleneeds; people in housing crisis; homeless ex-offenders or homeless people with mental health issues or drug/alcohol misuse problems; minority groups within the homeless population; and unemployedpeople who want to develop their skills orfind a job.

The Connection employs around 100 staffand over 100 volunteers. It aims to deliver a range of field-leading services, under asingle roof, including:

> two day centres for 16-25 year olds and people 26 years +

> an emergency night centre catering for up to 40 people

> St Martin’s House: a 16-bed hostel

> advice, hostel referrals, legal and welfare services

> health clinics

> housing and resettlement advice

> outreach to inform people in need of available services

> basic skills training and employment guidance

> arts, education and sports activities

> support for substance misuse

The Connection at St Martin’sopens its doors to over 6,500clients each year.

at the heart 16/17

1835 New National Gallerybuilt without a grandflight of steps in front, as this would encroachon the vista from PallMall to St Martin’s

1843 Design of Nelson’sColumn is reduced by 14 feet so that it is nothigher than St Martin’s

The Connection at St Martin’s: helping homeless people of all ages

Opposite: Clients of The Connection at St Martin’s use the laundry facilities, Chris Sowe

Revd Dick Sheppard’s vision of a church of‘the ever open door’ became a reality in1948 with the creation of what was known as the Social Service Unit, assisting vulnerablepeople in need. Services were provided fromthe Crypt and the Victorian burial vaultsbeneath the church site. In 1989, anotherwelfare charity, The London Connection, took over one of John Nash’s buildings to thenorth of the church to begin helping younghomeless and insecurely housed peoplerebuild their lives. The two organisationsmerged in 2003 and became TheConnection at St Martin’s, now one of thelargest organisations of its kind in the UK.

Each year it helps thousands of people inneed, including: rough sleepers withentrenched street lifestyles and multipleneeds; people in housing crisis; homeless ex-offenders or homeless people with mental health issues or drug/alcohol misuse problems; minority groups within the homeless population; and unemployedpeople who want to develop their skills orfind a job.

The Connection employs around 100 staffand over 100 volunteers. It aims to deliver a range of field-leading services, under asingle roof, including:

> two day centres for 16-25 year olds and people 26 years +

> an emergency night centre catering for up to 40 people

> St Martin’s House: a 16-bed hostel

> advice, hostel referrals, legal and welfare services

> health clinics

> housing and resettlement advice

> outreach to inform people in need of available services

> basic skills training and employment guidance

> arts, education and sports activities

> support for substance misuse

The Connection at St Martin’sopens its doors to over 6,500clients each year.

at the heart 16/17

1835 New National Gallerybuilt without a grandflight of steps in front, as this would encroachon the vista from PallMall to St Martin’s

1843 Design of Nelson’sColumn is reduced by 14 feet so that it is nothigher than St Martin’s

The Connection at St Martin’s: helping homeless people of all ages

Opposite: Clients of The Connection at St Martin’s use the laundry facilities, Chris Sowe

Transforming The Connection

As part of the Renewal Project, thedilapidated underground vaults that housedmuch of St Martin’s social care work for overfifty years have been demolished. In theirplace, Eric Parry Architects’ plan creates apurpose-designed facility for the provision of vital services.

One of the aims of the Renewal Project isthat, in addition to the dedicated staff andvolunteers, the new spaces themselves willinspire clients of The Connection.

The building where The Connection is based will be modified in order to:

> build additional space for services and projects

> bring daylight and ventilation intounderground areas

> provide flexible rooms to respond to changing needs

> enable new services to be developed, such as around-the-clock crisis advice and specialist casework for individuals with multiple challenges

at the heart 18/19

1914 Revd Dick Sheppardopens church and crypt24 hours a day toprovide food and shelterfor troops on their wayto and from France

1924 First live broadcast ofa religious service takesplace from St Martin’s

Like so many people, Emma thought thatcoming to London would be the answer toher problems. She thought that the changeof scene would help her stop using drugs,and that there would be lots of opportunitiesfor her to get a home, and a job.

Instead, she ended up on the streets, involvedwith a group of much older, entrenched roughsleepers. She felt safer in a group, and moreprotected by being with them. At the sametime, Emma’s drug use escalated. Althoughshe stayed in touch with The Connection,Emma didn’t really seem to engage with theservices, and the staff became increasinglyworried about her safety.

The turning point came when Emma realisedshe was pregnant. She decided that while shecould choose to mess up her own life withdrugs, it wasn’t fair to inflict this on her unbornchild. She started coming to The Connectionmuch more frequently and, with support,

reduced her drug use significantly, becomingdrug-free by the time her baby was born.The Connection found her a hostel place,and supported her in staying drug-free.When her baby boy was born, she wasmoved into B&B accommodation, andbegan studying IT at college.

When her son starts school she wants to workpart-time to be able to care for him, andprovide a good life for him. She has trulyturned her life around, and is looking forwardto a bright future, full of opportunity andpotential for herself and her son.

Emma first came to The Connection at St Martin’s agedjust sixteen. She was sleeping rough, having fled her homeafter her father became increasingly violent towards her.Emma had been using drugs since she was nine years old.

IND

EPTH

“St Martin-in-the-Fields has earned areputation for welcoming and meeting theneeds of all members of the community.The Connection at St Martin’s can literallyhelp turn someone’s life around by givingthem hope where there was none before.” Councillor Alexander Nicoll, The Rt Worshipful The Lord Mayor of Westminster

1900s

Above (left): The day centre for young people (16-25), David Lindsay Above (right): The kitchen provides regular meals for clients, David Lindsay

Transforming The Connection

As part of the Renewal Project, thedilapidated underground vaults that housedmuch of St Martin’s social care work for overfifty years have been demolished. In theirplace, Eric Parry Architects’ plan creates apurpose-designed facility for the provision of vital services.

One of the aims of the Renewal Project isthat, in addition to the dedicated staff andvolunteers, the new spaces themselves willinspire clients of The Connection.

The building where The Connection is based will be modified in order to:

> build additional space for services and projects

> bring daylight and ventilation intounderground areas

> provide flexible rooms to respond to changing needs

> enable new services to be developed, such as around-the-clock crisis advice and specialist casework for individuals with multiple challenges

at the heart 18/19

1914 Revd Dick Sheppardopens church and crypt24 hours a day toprovide food and shelterfor troops on their wayto and from France

1924 First live broadcast ofa religious service takesplace from St Martin’s

Like so many people, Emma thought thatcoming to London would be the answer toher problems. She thought that the changeof scene would help her stop using drugs,and that there would be lots of opportunitiesfor her to get a home, and a job.

Instead, she ended up on the streets, involvedwith a group of much older, entrenched roughsleepers. She felt safer in a group, and moreprotected by being with them. At the sametime, Emma’s drug use escalated. Althoughshe stayed in touch with The Connection,Emma didn’t really seem to engage with theservices, and the staff became increasinglyworried about her safety.

The turning point came when Emma realisedshe was pregnant. She decided that while shecould choose to mess up her own life withdrugs, it wasn’t fair to inflict this on her unbornchild. She started coming to The Connectionmuch more frequently and, with support,

reduced her drug use significantly, becomingdrug-free by the time her baby was born.The Connection found her a hostel place,and supported her in staying drug-free.When her baby boy was born, she wasmoved into B&B accommodation, andbegan studying IT at college.

When her son starts school she wants to workpart-time to be able to care for him, andprovide a good life for him. She has trulyturned her life around, and is looking forwardto a bright future, full of opportunity andpotential for herself and her son.

Emma first came to The Connection at St Martin’s agedjust sixteen. She was sleeping rough, having fled her homeafter her father became increasingly violent towards her.Emma had been using drugs since she was nine years old.

IND

EPTH

“St Martin-in-the-Fields has earned areputation for welcoming and meeting theneeds of all members of the community.The Connection at St Martin’s can literallyhelp turn someone’s life around by givingthem hope where there was none before.” Councillor Alexander Nicoll, The Rt Worshipful The Lord Mayor of Westminster

1900s

Above (left): The day centre for young people (16-25), David Lindsay Above (right): The kitchen provides regular meals for clients, David Lindsay

St Martin’s long tradition of enriching people’slives by making them feel part of a larger,welcoming community is evident in its workwith the Bishop Ho Ming Wah ChineseCommunity Centre (commonly known as the Ho Ming Wah).

In May 1964, Bishop R O Hall of Hong Kongasked a social worker and priest, Revd S Y Lee,to work with Chinese people working andliving around Soho. ‘S Y’ was welcomed by St Martin’s and a small congregation of 12gathered on the first Sunday that he held aservice in Cantonese. Attendance quicklygrew to 50, made up of Anglicans, Baptists,Methodists and members of the ChineseChurch of Christ. It has strengthenedcontinuously ever since.

S Y visited the sick and counselled thosestruggling with life in a strange land, workinghard to send money home to families in HongKong. Many of them found it very hard to

communicate in English, so he accompaniedthem to lawyers and government offices, to translate.

By the 1980s, some 70-80,000 Hong KongChinese people were estimated to be living inLondon. The Ho Ming Wah opened in 1987,in yet another of the Victorian vaults, to meetthe increasing social support needs of thispopulation. This formalised and extended thesocial care already being offered. The centrenow welcomes over 150 people each week.

Members are mostly elderly people who donot have the network of extended family thatthey would traditionally have expected. Thecommunity is now spread around London,but it is still important that the Ho Ming Wahis so centrally located, as well as being soclose to Chinatown. Recently, the Ho MingWah has also welcomed increasing numbersof students from mainland China, looking forsupport and a reminder of home.

The Bishop Ho Ming WahChinese Community Centre will provide an engaging andsupportive place for Chinesepeople in Central London.

at the heart 20/21

1927 Revd Dick Sheppardbroadcasts first Vicar’sChristmas Appeal

1938 Queen Mary, wife of George V, is the lastmonarch to use theRoyal Box

1940 Bomb explodes on Duncannon Streetblowing out many of the church’s stained-glass windows. The Cryptunder the church is usedas an air-raid shelter

The Bishop Ho Ming Wah Chinese Community Centre

“In today’s world St Martin-in-the-Fieldsstands out as a church that is willing tospeak out for those that don’t have a voice.” Billy Bragg

Opposite: An English lesson at the Ho Ming Wah, David Lindsay

St Martin’s long tradition of enriching people’slives by making them feel part of a larger,welcoming community is evident in its workwith the Bishop Ho Ming Wah ChineseCommunity Centre (commonly known as the Ho Ming Wah).

In May 1964, Bishop R O Hall of Hong Kongasked a social worker and priest, Revd S Y Lee,to work with Chinese people working andliving around Soho. ‘S Y’ was welcomed by St Martin’s and a small congregation of 12gathered on the first Sunday that he held aservice in Cantonese. Attendance quicklygrew to 50, made up of Anglicans, Baptists,Methodists and members of the ChineseChurch of Christ. It has strengthenedcontinuously ever since.

S Y visited the sick and counselled thosestruggling with life in a strange land, workinghard to send money home to families in HongKong. Many of them found it very hard to

communicate in English, so he accompaniedthem to lawyers and government offices, to translate.

By the 1980s, some 70-80,000 Hong KongChinese people were estimated to be living inLondon. The Ho Ming Wah opened in 1987,in yet another of the Victorian vaults, to meetthe increasing social support needs of thispopulation. This formalised and extended thesocial care already being offered. The centrenow welcomes over 150 people each week.

Members are mostly elderly people who donot have the network of extended family thatthey would traditionally have expected. Thecommunity is now spread around London,but it is still important that the Ho Ming Wahis so centrally located, as well as being soclose to Chinatown. Recently, the Ho MingWah has also welcomed increasing numbersof students from mainland China, looking forsupport and a reminder of home.

The Bishop Ho Ming WahChinese Community Centre will provide an engaging andsupportive place for Chinesepeople in Central London.

at the heart 20/21

1927 Revd Dick Sheppardbroadcasts first Vicar’sChristmas Appeal

1938 Queen Mary, wife of George V, is the lastmonarch to use theRoyal Box

1940 Bomb explodes on Duncannon Streetblowing out many of the church’s stained-glass windows. The Cryptunder the church is usedas an air-raid shelter

The Bishop Ho Ming Wah Chinese Community Centre

“In today’s world St Martin-in-the-Fieldsstands out as a church that is willing tospeak out for those that don’t have a voice.” Billy Bragg

Opposite: An English lesson at the Ho Ming Wah, David Lindsay

Activities on offer include:

> Weekly social lunch club

> T’ai-chi classes

> Cultural activities such as Chinese danceand singing sessions

> Health advice sessions

> English and Mandarin language classes

> Translation services

> Computer classes

> Exchange visits with other Chinesecommunity centres

> Volunteer befriending project for memberswho can no longer travel to the centre

The Ho Ming Wah has also begun to offercultural activities in Cantonese during schoolholidays for British-born Chinese children,whose families are keen to see the youngergeneration reconnect with their heritage.

Transforming the Ho Ming Wah

As part of the Renewal Project, the Ho MingWah will occupy part of the new undergroundspaces, with a large activity room, offices, andits own kitchen. The glass-walled main spacewill face onto the new light-well. There will

also be easy access to additional facilities,such as the new parish hall, to support someof the more popular activities.

The new centre will also be fully accessible –an important consideration for many of theelderly members – and will be more visibly apart of the St Martin’s community.

These spaces will also allow the developmentof proposed new services, such as aprofessional advisory service, and youthemployment project.

Support from Hong Kong

Supporters in Hong Kong made a realdifference when the Ho Ming Wah wasfounded, and they continue to show greatgenerosity towards the Renewal Project.

The Chinese elements of the campaign werelaunched in 2004 when Jackie Chan visitedSt Martin’s. To date, gifts from Hong Kongtotal just under £2 million, includingcontributions from the Diocese of HongKong Sheng Kung Hui, a number of StMartin’s Chinese congregation alumni, and other generous individuals.

at the heart 22/23

1948 St Martin’s socialwork expands withfounding of SocialService Unit to helpunemployed, womendeserted by theirhusbands, alcoholics,discharged prisoners and drug addicts

1949 John Churchill,Organist and Master of Music, establishestwice-weekly lunchtimeconcerts in the church by young professionalmusicians

1958 Academy of StMartin in the Fields is founded with NevilleMarriner becoming itslifetime President

After 20 years in England Ah Kiu still had noEnglish skills. Being unable to communicate,even simply, in English meant she alwaysneeded someone to interpret, usually herchildren or her neighbour. She was at anotherChinese centre when someone mentionedthat the Bishop Ho Ming Wah CommunityCentre in Trafalgar Square offers Englishclasses for Cantonese speakers.

She came along. The English classes were atjust the right level for her, with a welcomingatmosphere, and she felt very comfortable.

She made new friends, and started joining inother activities. She now works as a volunteer,helping others to feel welcome as she wasmade welcome four years ago.

Ah Kiu is still working to improve her English,but she can make herself understood andunderstand what she reads and hears.This makes a huge difference to her. She ishappier, more independent, more outgoingand more confident. ‘Life is different whenyou know English’ she says.

Able to communicate: Ah Kiu (59) came to England in1973 with her husband and young family. Like manyChinese people she was unable to read or write even in Cantonese, her first language. She worked long hours in catering to support her three children.

IND

EPTH

Above (left): The lunch club, David Lindsay Above (centre): Members of the Ho Ming Wah enjoy some karaoke, David Lindsay Above (right): T’ai Chi sessions at the Ho Ming Wah, David Lindsay

Activities on offer include:

> Weekly social lunch club

> T’ai-chi classes

> Cultural activities such as Chinese danceand singing sessions

> Health advice sessions

> English and Mandarin language classes

> Translation services

> Computer classes

> Exchange visits with other Chinesecommunity centres

> Volunteer befriending project for memberswho can no longer travel to the centre

The Ho Ming Wah has also begun to offercultural activities in Cantonese during schoolholidays for British-born Chinese children,whose families are keen to see the youngergeneration reconnect with their heritage.

Transforming the Ho Ming Wah

As part of the Renewal Project, the Ho MingWah will occupy part of the new undergroundspaces, with a large activity room, offices, andits own kitchen. The glass-walled main spacewill face onto the new light-well. There will

also be easy access to additional facilities,such as the new parish hall, to support someof the more popular activities.

The new centre will also be fully accessible –an important consideration for many of theelderly members – and will be more visibly apart of the St Martin’s community.

These spaces will also allow the developmentof proposed new services, such as aprofessional advisory service, and youthemployment project.

Support from Hong Kong

Supporters in Hong Kong made a realdifference when the Ho Ming Wah wasfounded, and they continue to show greatgenerosity towards the Renewal Project.

The Chinese elements of the campaign werelaunched in 2004 when Jackie Chan visitedSt Martin’s. To date, gifts from Hong Kongtotal just under £2 million, includingcontributions from the Diocese of HongKong Sheng Kung Hui, a number of StMartin’s Chinese congregation alumni, and other generous individuals.

at the heart 22/23

1948 St Martin’s socialwork expands withfounding of SocialService Unit to helpunemployed, womendeserted by theirhusbands, alcoholics,discharged prisoners and drug addicts

1949 John Churchill,Organist and Master of Music, establishestwice-weekly lunchtimeconcerts in the church by young professionalmusicians

1958 Academy of StMartin in the Fields is founded with NevilleMarriner becoming itslifetime President

After 20 years in England Ah Kiu still had noEnglish skills. Being unable to communicate,even simply, in English meant she alwaysneeded someone to interpret, usually herchildren or her neighbour. She was at anotherChinese centre when someone mentionedthat the Bishop Ho Ming Wah CommunityCentre in Trafalgar Square offers Englishclasses for Cantonese speakers.

She came along. The English classes were atjust the right level for her, with a welcomingatmosphere, and she felt very comfortable.

She made new friends, and started joining inother activities. She now works as a volunteer,helping others to feel welcome as she wasmade welcome four years ago.

Ah Kiu is still working to improve her English,but she can make herself understood andunderstand what she reads and hears.This makes a huge difference to her. She ishappier, more independent, more outgoingand more confident. ‘Life is different whenyou know English’ she says.

Able to communicate: Ah Kiu (59) came to England in1973 with her husband and young family. Like manyChinese people she was unable to read or write even in Cantonese, her first language. She worked long hours in catering to support her three children.

IND

EPTH

Above (left): The lunch club, David Lindsay Above (centre): Members of the Ho Ming Wah enjoy some karaoke, David Lindsay Above (right): T’ai Chi sessions at the Ho Ming Wah, David Lindsay

Inspirational Music at St Martin’s

St Martin’s is probably best known for its richmusical life. In fact, since King George I gavethe church its first organ, one that was playedby Handel on several special occasions, StMartin’s has been significantly contributingto the variety of music on offer in London.

The Church Music Department, staffed by a full-time Director of Music and part-timeAssistant Organist, oversees the provision of music for over 200 services a year, plus anannual organ recital programme and severalchoral concerts. It also offers scholarshipsproviding valuable training and experience foryoung organists and choral singers. The Choirof St Martin-in-the-Fields, our flagshipensemble comprising talented professional-standard volunteer singers, is heard up to fivetimes a year on national and internationalBBC Radio.

Music at St Martin’s is not limited to churchmusic. The Academy of St Martin in theFields, founded in 1958, continues to serve as this London landmark’s most vibrant andwell-known international ambassador.

A flourishing and profitable concertsprogramme has developed over the years.Concerts focus mainly on Baroque music butalso provide a valuable opportunity for youngmusicians to perform in public at freelunchtime concerts.

St Martin’s makes use of the uniqueatmosphere of the beautiful brick-vaultedCrypt by presenting fortnightly jazzperformances, attended by some 5,000 fans.

On a very practical level, the musicprogramme is part of a model whichgenerates much-needed revenue for thecharitable work of the church and willcontinue to do so upon completion of the new spaces.

A varied and rich musical liferesides at the heart of the St Martin’s Renewal Project.

at the heart 24/25

1961 After reading anarticle about politicalprisoners in Portugal,Peter Benenson comes to St Martin’s seekingpeace and quiet, andconceives AmnestyInternational

1964 Revd S Y Lee comesto St Martin’s to care for London’s growingChinese community andbegins a weekly servicein Cantonese

opposite: Imperial College String Ensemble performs in the church, Sze Kiat Chan

Inspirational Music at St Martin’s

St Martin’s is probably best known for its richmusical life. In fact, since King George I gavethe church its first organ, one that was playedby Handel on several special occasions, StMartin’s has been significantly contributingto the variety of music on offer in London.

The Church Music Department, staffed by a full-time Director of Music and part-timeAssistant Organist, oversees the provision of music for over 200 services a year, plus anannual organ recital programme and severalchoral concerts. It also offers scholarshipsproviding valuable training and experience foryoung organists and choral singers. The Choirof St Martin-in-the-Fields, our flagshipensemble comprising talented professional-standard volunteer singers, is heard up to fivetimes a year on national and internationalBBC Radio.

Music at St Martin’s is not limited to churchmusic. The Academy of St Martin in theFields, founded in 1958, continues to serve as this London landmark’s most vibrant andwell-known international ambassador.

A flourishing and profitable concertsprogramme has developed over the years.Concerts focus mainly on Baroque music butalso provide a valuable opportunity for youngmusicians to perform in public at freelunchtime concerts.

St Martin’s makes use of the uniqueatmosphere of the beautiful brick-vaultedCrypt by presenting fortnightly jazzperformances, attended by some 5,000 fans.

On a very practical level, the musicprogramme is part of a model whichgenerates much-needed revenue for thecharitable work of the church and willcontinue to do so upon completion of the new spaces.

A varied and rich musical liferesides at the heart of the St Martin’s Renewal Project.

at the heart 24/25

1961 After reading anarticle about politicalprisoners in Portugal,Peter Benenson comes to St Martin’s seekingpeace and quiet, andconceives AmnestyInternational

1964 Revd S Y Lee comesto St Martin’s to care for London’s growingChinese community andbegins a weekly servicein Cantonese

opposite: Imperial College String Ensemble performs in the church, Sze Kiat Chan

at the heart 26/27

Music is a major part of the St Martin’sexperience and the Renewal Project will make greater access to, and engagement with, music possible. It will appreciablyenhance music facilities at St Martin’s, both for performers and audiences.

“The tradition of music making in St Martin-in-the-Fields is entirely responsible for theprovenance of the Academy and for theprodigious number of international music lovers who have experienced the essence of this tradition. With the newly proposeddevelopment of the church, Trafalgar Squarewill be re-invigorated with St Martin’s itsmusical heart.”Sir Neville Marriner CBE, Founder and Lifetime President of The Academy of St Martin in the Fields

The improvements include:

> major clean and service of the organ

> double-height rehearsal room, providingacoustically correct space for church and concert musicians, and a valuableresource for other ensembles

> new changing rooms for performers

> new space for music support andadministration

> re-ordering the church interior to provide a more flexible performance area

1986 St Martin’sestablishes the Café, gift shop and concertsbusiness to support thework of the church

1994 Archbishop DesmondTutu dedicates amemorial to the victimsof injustice and violence in South Africa to standinside St Martin’s

Transforming St Martin’s Performance Spaces

Opposite: The Connection at St Martin’s Artspaceprogramme offers clients a chance to explore their creativity, David Lindsay Above (left): The Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields,www.kmphotos.comAbove (right): Jazz in the Crypt

at the heart 26/27

Music is a major part of the St Martin’sexperience and the Renewal Project will make greater access to, and engagement with, music possible. It will appreciablyenhance music facilities at St Martin’s, both for performers and audiences.

“The tradition of music making in St Martin-in-the-Fields is entirely responsible for theprovenance of the Academy and for theprodigious number of international music lovers who have experienced the essence of this tradition. With the newly proposeddevelopment of the church, Trafalgar Squarewill be re-invigorated with St Martin’s itsmusical heart.”Sir Neville Marriner CBE, Founder and Lifetime President of The Academy of St Martin in the Fields

The improvements include:

> major clean and service of the organ

> double-height rehearsal room, providingacoustically correct space for church and concert musicians, and a valuableresource for other ensembles

> new changing rooms for performers

> new space for music support andadministration

> re-ordering the church interior to provide a more flexible performance area

1986 St Martin’sestablishes the Café, gift shop and concertsbusiness to support thework of the church

1994 Archbishop DesmondTutu dedicates amemorial to the victimsof injustice and violence in South Africa to standinside St Martin’s

Transforming St Martin’s Performance Spaces

Opposite: The Connection at St Martin’s Artspaceprogramme offers clients a chance to explore their creativity, David Lindsay Above (left): The Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields,www.kmphotos.comAbove (right): Jazz in the Crypt

Situated at the very heart of London, Gibbs’ St Martin’s had an immediate and profoundeffect throughout the English-speaking world,with the church becoming an architecturalblueprint for religious buildings in the United States.

As there were very few trained architects in the colonies, the new American churcheswere based on fashionable churches built in England, as detailed in numerousarchitectural books. In his own 1728 Book ofArchitecture, which became an essential partof the colonial gentleman’s library, Gibbsprovided illustrations of the recently finishedSt Martin-in-the-Fields, complete with severalpreliminary versions of his design.

Amidst all the North American adaptations ofSt Martin-in-the-Fields, it is St Paul's Chapel,in present-day downtown Manhattan, whichis considered the closest replica. Designed in1764 by a student of Gibbs, Thomas McBean,it has the combination that is the signaturefeature of St Martin’s: a monumental porticoand an elegant steeple. Another example ofthe direct influence of Gibbs' book can beseen in the First Baptist Meetinghouse (1774-1775) in Providence, Rhode Island, designedby merchant and self-trained architect JosephBrown; its tower and steeple are an exact

copy of plate 30 in the book, included as an alternate design for St Martin's.

Today, the tradition of Gibbs-inspired churchesis thoroughly engrained in the collectiveAmerican consciousness. St Martin’s designhas been used as a template by manydenominations, a popularity that isundoubtedly testament to the inherentvalue of Gibbs’ original design.

Independent from the architecture, however,there is another echo of the church in theUS: some 20-plus churches are named afterthe London St Martin’s. In the 1950s, stonesalvaged from bomb damage was takenacross the Atlantic to be built into two newSt Martins-in-the-Fields, in Maryland andSouth Carolina.

These links continue to strengthen. St Martin’sis extremely popular with visitors from the US,as concert-goers, worshippers and tourists.American clergy regularly preach here andthe Bishop of New York led the Ground-breaking Ceremony in February 2006, whichmarked the start of building for the Renewalof St Martin-in-the-Fields.

We look forward to developing ever-closerfriendships in the future.

St Martin’s has a number of important historical ties with the United States.

at the heart 28/29

2000s

2002-3 Eric Parry Architectsappointed to design theRenewal of St Martin’sand the Heritage LotteryFund awards a grant of £14.69 million

Café in the Crypt winsLes Routiers “LondonCafé of the Year” award

2004 St Martin’s SocialCare Unit merges withThe London Connectionto form The Connectionat St Martin’s

Left: Detail of church ceiling, www.andrewputler.com

Situated at the very heart of London, Gibbs’ St Martin’s had an immediate and profoundeffect throughout the English-speaking world,with the church becoming an architecturalblueprint for religious buildings in the United States.

As there were very few trained architects in the colonies, the new American churcheswere based on fashionable churches built in England, as detailed in numerousarchitectural books. In his own 1728 Book ofArchitecture, which became an essential partof the colonial gentleman’s library, Gibbsprovided illustrations of the recently finishedSt Martin-in-the-Fields, complete with severalpreliminary versions of his design.

Amidst all the North American adaptations ofSt Martin-in-the-Fields, it is St Paul's Chapel,in present-day downtown Manhattan, whichis considered the closest replica. Designed in1764 by a student of Gibbs, Thomas McBean,it has the combination that is the signaturefeature of St Martin’s: a monumental porticoand an elegant steeple. Another example ofthe direct influence of Gibbs' book can beseen in the First Baptist Meetinghouse (1774-1775) in Providence, Rhode Island, designedby merchant and self-trained architect JosephBrown; its tower and steeple are an exact

copy of plate 30 in the book, included as an alternate design for St Martin's.

Today, the tradition of Gibbs-inspired churchesis thoroughly engrained in the collectiveAmerican consciousness. St Martin’s designhas been used as a template by manydenominations, a popularity that isundoubtedly testament to the inherentvalue of Gibbs’ original design.

Independent from the architecture, however,there is another echo of the church in theUS: some 20-plus churches are named afterthe London St Martin’s. In the 1950s, stonesalvaged from bomb damage was takenacross the Atlantic to be built into two newSt Martins-in-the-Fields, in Maryland andSouth Carolina.

These links continue to strengthen. St Martin’sis extremely popular with visitors from the US,as concert-goers, worshippers and tourists.American clergy regularly preach here andthe Bishop of New York led the Ground-breaking Ceremony in February 2006, whichmarked the start of building for the Renewalof St Martin-in-the-Fields.

We look forward to developing ever-closerfriendships in the future.

St Martin’s has a number of important historical ties with the United States.

at the heart 28/29

2000s

2002-3 Eric Parry Architectsappointed to design theRenewal of St Martin’sand the Heritage LotteryFund awards a grant of £14.69 million

Café in the Crypt winsLes Routiers “LondonCafé of the Year” award

2004 St Martin’s SocialCare Unit merges withThe London Connectionto form The Connectionat St Martin’s

Left: Detail of church ceiling, www.andrewputler.com

St Martin-in-the-Fields is undergoing a £36 million building project, to provide a sequence of beautiful, practical andinspirational spaces to serve the community,visitors and those in need, ensuring the lifeand sustainability of St Martin’s.

The campaign for the Renewal of St Martin-in-the-Fields is an unprecedentedopportunity for public and private partners,and philanthropic individuals, to cometogether to transform the provision ofservices at St Martin’s.

A major grant of £15.35 million (the originalgrand of £14.69 million plus a recentadditional grant of £666,627) from theHeritage Lottery Fund has recognised the significance of the project.

We invite you to join us in making real the vision of a renewed St Martin-in-the-Fields.

Be a part of this inspirationaltransformation at the heart of London.

at the heart 30/31

2006 Building work beginson the Renewal Projectcelebrated with aBlessing and Ground-breaking Ceremony led by the Bishop of New York and RabbiAlexandra Wright of the Liberal JewishSynagogue, London

2008 Scheduledcompletion of theRenewal of St Martin-in-the-Fields

Opposite: Progress on site, 29th August 2006, Costain

St Martin-in-the-Fields is undergoing a £36 million building project, to provide a sequence of beautiful, practical andinspirational spaces to serve the community,visitors and those in need, ensuring the lifeand sustainability of St Martin’s.

The campaign for the Renewal of St Martin-in-the-Fields is an unprecedentedopportunity for public and private partners,and philanthropic individuals, to cometogether to transform the provision ofservices at St Martin’s.

A major grant of £15.35 million (the originalgrand of £14.69 million plus a recentadditional grant of £666,627) from theHeritage Lottery Fund has recognised the significance of the project.

We invite you to join us in making real the vision of a renewed St Martin-in-the-Fields.

Be a part of this inspirationaltransformation at the heart of London.

at the heart 30/31

2006 Building work beginson the Renewal Projectcelebrated with aBlessing and Ground-breaking Ceremony led by the Bishop of New York and RabbiAlexandra Wright of the Liberal JewishSynagogue, London

2008 Scheduledcompletion of theRenewal of St Martin-in-the-Fields

Opposite: Progress on site, 29th August 2006, Costain

St Martin-in-the-FieldsTrafalgar SquareLondon WC2N 4JJ

Tel: +44 (0)20 7766 1120Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 5163

www. smitf.org/campaignEmail: campaign@smitf.org

Chairman of St Martin-in-the-FieldsDevelopment Trust: Ian Henderson CBE

Tel: +44 (0)20 7766 1120

Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields: Revd Dr Nicholas Holtam

Email: nicholas.holtam@smitf.orgTel: +44 (0)20 7766 1107

UK Campaign Director: Patricia Castanha

Email: patricia.castanha@smitf.orgTel: +44 (0)20 7766 1131

President of the Foundation for St Martin-in-the-Fields, London (a 501(c)(3)corporation which supports our work):

Thomas Joyce c/o Dorsey & Whitney LLPSuite 150050 South Sixth StreetMinneapolis MN 55402-1498

Email: joyce.thomas@dorsey.comTel: +1 612 340 2943Fax: +1 612 340 2868

US Fundraising Counsel: Peter M Kellogg

President & CEOThe Kellogg Organization, Inc. 825 E Speer Boulevard Suite 100-D Denver CO 80218

Email: pmk@kelloggorganization.com Tel: +1 800 621 7110 Fax: +1 303 871 0979

Contact us:

Above (left): Blessing and Ground-breaking Ceremony, David Lindsay Above (centre): Architect, Eric Parry presents a model of the new underground spaces, David Lindsay Above (right): The London Brass Rubbing Centre Right: Interior of the church, www.andrewputler.com

PICTURE CREDITSwww.andrewputler.com www.kmphotos.com Sze Kiat Chan David Lindsay Eric Parry Architects Chris Sowe Costain Lucinda Rogers

St Martin-in-the-FieldsTrafalgar SquareLondon WC2N 4JJ

Tel: +44 (0)20 7766 1120Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 5163

www. smitf.org/campaignEmail: campaign@smitf.org

Chairman of St Martin-in-the-FieldsDevelopment Trust: Ian Henderson CBE

Tel: +44 (0)20 7766 1120

Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields: Revd Dr Nicholas Holtam

Email: nicholas.holtam@smitf.orgTel: +44 (0)20 7766 1107

UK Campaign Director: Patricia Castanha

Email: patricia.castanha@smitf.orgTel: +44 (0)20 7766 1131

President of the Foundation for St Martin-in-the-Fields, London (a 501(c)(3)corporation which supports our work):

Thomas Joyce c/o Dorsey & Whitney LLPSuite 150050 South Sixth StreetMinneapolis MN 55402-1498

Email: joyce.thomas@dorsey.comTel: +1 612 340 2943Fax: +1 612 340 2868

US Fundraising Counsel: Peter M Kellogg

President & CEOThe Kellogg Organization, Inc. 825 E Speer Boulevard Suite 100-D Denver CO 80218

Email: pmk@kelloggorganization.com Tel: +1 800 621 7110 Fax: +1 303 871 0979

Contact us:

Above (left): Blessing and Ground-breaking Ceremony, David Lindsay Above (centre): Architect, Eric Parry presents a model of the new underground spaces, David Lindsay Above (right): The London Brass Rubbing Centre Right: Interior of the church, www.andrewputler.com

PICTURE CREDITSwww.andrewputler.com www.kmphotos.com Sze Kiat Chan David Lindsay Eric Parry Architects Chris Sowe Costain Lucinda Rogers

St Martin-in-the-FieldsTrafalgar SquareLondon WC2N 4JJ

Tel: +44 (0)20 7766 1120Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 5163

www.smitf.org/campaign

Cover illustration: Lucinda Rogers