Church of St Paul, Finchley

FINCHLEY - The committee for building the new Church of St. Paul at Finchley selected nine architects in Juno last to send in competitive designs by the 20th of August, Prof. Roger Smith being appointed professional assessor. He selected three designs, from among which that by Mr. John Ladds, under the motto “Faith,” was finally selected, and the architect has been commissioned to proceed with the work. Tho church is to be faced with Kentish rag stone, with Bath stone dressings, and will seat 632 persons. The architect’s estimate of the cost was 5,850L, and Professor Smith reported that he considered it could be carried out for 5,5001. If so, it is a rather rare and all the more creditable example of an architect’s competition estimate being above the actual amount required. [Builder 11 October 1884 page 509]

ST, PAUL'S CHURCH, FINCHLEY - This drawing was hung in the last Royal Academy Exhibition. It represents the new church at Finchley, which has been built from the designs of Mr. John Ladds, architect. The nave is 78ft. 8in. long, the total width of the building being 55ft. 2in. The vestries are conveniently arranged, and the tower is contrived on plan in a somewhat novel position in respect to the chancel, a passage-way for returning from the altar being provided between the tower and the chancel. There are some other features in the detail of the planning of this church which show considerable study on the part of its author. Of the architecture, the drawing speaks for itself. [Building News 25 March 1887 page 432]

1885              Foundation Stone laid 9 May 1885
1886              Consecration 27 March 1886
1886              Drawing dated 23 April 1885. Exhibited at Royal Academy 1886 No. 1570

Reference        Builder 11 October 1884 page 509 – architectural competition
Reference        Building News 10  October 1884 page 603
Reference        Hendon and Finchley Times 27 February 1885 - plans submitted for local authority approval
Reference        Barnet Press 16 May 1885 page 7 - Laying foundation stone
Reference        Barnet Press 3 April 1886 – consecration
Reference        Hendon and Finchley Times 2 April 1886 page 6 - consecration
Reference        Building News 25 March 1887 page 432 with illustration
Reference        Kelly Middlesex 1899