In the middle of a sermon in early 1880, the Reverend John White of St Peter's, South Croydon suggested another church be built in the parish. The parish of St Peter's was simply too large for one clergyman.

The land on which St Augustine's now stands was at this time agricultural land, as was the whole of the surrounding area, with ramshackle housing belonging to farm labourers and their families. These men worked for the wealthier members of the parish who lived near St Peter's - two, Mrs and Miss Courage, were later to be great benefactors to the new Church.

The parish had a population of 2,400, the vast majority of whom were poor, and it was this sector that the new Church would be built to serve.  To this end it was decided that there would be no charge made for a space in the pew, as was the custom in those days. The Archbishop took exception to this at first, but appears to have mellowed when informed that the congregation would only put up the money on condition that the new Church was free.

Plans were drawn up, preparations were made and funds were donated. Finally, on 8th June 1882, the foundation stone was laid by the Rt. Revd. Bishop Tufnell the Vicar of Croydon. It was a wet and cloudy day but the sun came out briefly just as the Bishop laid the stone. This caused him to often remark that this was a good sign for St. Augustine's. Underneath the stone were laid some current coins and a copy of the Times for that day. After the ceremony a substantial meal was provided for all the parishioners who wished to attend. The new Church was finally opened on Trinity Sunday, 8th June 1884.

It is not truly known to which St Augustine the Church is dedicated so it may seem apt that, with both Augustine of Canterbury and Augustine of Hippo helping to formulate the doctrine of the Trinity, it was finally opened on Trinity Sunday. However, it is generally assumed to be Augustine of Canterbury, missionary and first Archbishop. The Church was packed at both the morning and evening services that day. It was noted by a later vicar that the Church had been opened "without a single penny of debt and without a bazaar" - a tribute to the generous giving of the people of the parish and the felt need for a Church here.

The first vicar, Mr Bassett, worked unstintingly towards the building up of the congregation (an often difficult task) thinking nothing of walking twenty or thirty miles to Dorking or Sevenoaks if that was where it took him on a particular day. He was heavily involved in community work and was noted for his excellent sermons "which he preached entirely without notes." Apparently he did this after an unfortunate experience in a former parish in Camberwell when, halfway through a sermon for which he was reliant upon his notes, the gas failed leaving the Church in total darkness and Mr Bassett had to ad lib as best he could.

The heritage he and many others have worked hard to build up is left to us in the present congregation of St Augustine's. Needless to say much has changed since his day. The society and community that we serve has changed beyond all recognition, as has the building itself in more recent years.

The conversion to the rear half of the Church building was approached in 1981 and completed in 1989 in order to better equip the Church for its multi-functioning role in this changing community. A more effective heating system was also installed in 1993.

If you would like to find out more about any of the activities at St Augustine's, or if you wish to hire the Centre for your own activities please talk to a member of the Clergy or anyone in the Centre Office.

If you feel you want to become part of our Church community, to be involved in the life and work of the Church please speak to any one of us - we have a lively and friendly Crèche and Sunday School for your children and are always pleased to welcome new faces to any of our services.