PIN The French Protestant Church

A bit of French History in Soho

The French Protestant Church is dedicated to the Francophone protestant community living in London. It is one of the two French protestant churches in England with the other French one of Canterbury. The church is an non-profit organisation, providing funds for charity and welcomes more than fifty young protestants who actively participate in community life. During the week, religious classes and a library are provided and every Sunday at 11.00am, the French pastor Stéphane Desmarais lead the congregation.

History

The Church was founded 500 years ago during the reign of the young King Edward VI on the advice of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, an important member of the English Reformation. The theologian John a Lasco was invited to become the first superintendent of the Church of the Strangers. This place originally welcomed French, Walloons or Dutch living in London and over the centuries became a protestant refugee centre whenever religion's wars raged. During the WWII, the Church was the rallying point for all the Free French and overseas Protestants involved in the war.

How to get there

Located in Soho Square, the church is easily reachable by car (park around the square) or 10 min by walk from Oxford Circus, Leicester Square and Goodge Street stations. The closest tube station is Tottenham Court Road Station and the Oxford Street bus stop is also the shortest way to go to the church

Owner

Killian Trimatis

I am a visitor to London from Nice. I love the vibrancy and energy of this city which I feel everytime I connect with its pavements. I am spending a six month internship in the city and learn something new about London every day - sometimes I disc...