Church of St Andrew and adjoining church hall

Church of St Andrew and adjoining church hall

The Church of St Andrew was designed by Cyril Farey and John Adams, with the foundation stone laid in 1956 and the building consecrated in 1957 by the Bishop of Willesden. After Cyril Farey's death, the church was completed by Michael Farey and John Adams.

The church and aligned church hall are contiguous structures that can be joined or separated by a full-height folding screen at the western end of the church. Both spaces feature a concrete portal frame with yellow brick infill laid in stretcher bond and box-framed windows with metal frames.

The church plan comprises a six-bay nave with side aisles, an apsidal eastern end with five sides, and a tower set above a porch at the western end of the northern side. A Lady Chapel is positioned at the eastern end of the southern aisle. The southern side accommodates a vestry, choir lobby and kitchen, which are accessible from both the church and the hall. The church hall continues the line of the church with seven bays of portal framing and metal-framed windows.

Externally, the north side features a projecting tower to the right of centre, with an entrance at ground level comprising double doors with a cambered head leading to a porch. Above this portal is a relief statue by Darsie Rawlins, projecting from the wall, depicting St Andrew in the prow of a boat gathering in fishing nets. The upper belfry stage of the tower has louvred openings to each side and a helm spire clad in zinc with a cross finial. A staircase turret adjoins the lower body of the western side of the tower, with the northern aisle abutting the lower eastern side. Aisle windows to both sides of the building have projecting concrete box frames with cambered heads. The nave's six bays are each represented externally by a single aisle window and a cluster of three clerestory windows. The apsidal east end features five sides with a central star window above the altar, flanked by tall lancets.

Internally, the portal frame is common to both the church and hall spaces, with clear glass windows to the hall and stained glass to the church at both aisle and clerestory levels. The aisles have cross-axial segment vaults.

The church houses a notable set of stained glass windows designed by Max Nauta. The overarching theme depicts the Love of God for Humanity as shown in Old and New Testament stories, with a new creation emerging from destruction. Representations include biblical characters and historic figures: the Stoning of Stephen, the Prodigal Son, Jacob's Dream and St Paul appear among Old Testament and New Testament scenes, alongside modern images such as St Veronica, Christ blessing the Children and Florence Nightingale. The tall lancets in the chancel show St Melitus, St Andrew, St Alban and St Anselm. The star-shaped window above the altar depicts Christ Triumphant.

Original fittings include the altar rails, chancel steps and font. The font bears an inscription indicating it was a gift from Michael Farey and John Adams, commemorating the life of the church's designer, Cyril Farey. The organ, designed by NP Mander, is set in an opening to the tower above the porch entrance and is also an original fitting. The tower contains a carillon of eight bells.

The vicarage, the corridor by which it is joined to the church at its eastern end, and the separate youth centre building to the west of the church hall are not included in the listing.