As St Christopher’s Church we share our building, our history and our mission with Pembroke House, a centre for social action and residential community of volunteers. Our Vicar, Mother Ellen, is the Warden of Pembroke House.
Pembroke House works to build a better neighbourhood in Walworth: a neighbourhood where people can flourish and work together for a better society. Working with the community, with people of all faiths and none, Pembroke House provides space for people to connect, share meals and enjoy life together, and take collective action on local issues.
The Walworth Living Room is a community space run for and by the community in partnership with Pembroke House, that is open to everyone.
St Christopher’s congregation are encouraged to get involved with Pembroke House at every level – as volunteers, participants or supporters. We pray regularly as a church for the staff and work of Pembroke House and the Walworth Living Room. The Monday Lunch Club is a joint project between the church and Pembroke House.
History
We were founded in 1885 as the Pembroke College Mission, by students from Pembroke College, Cambridge. They took their inspiration from the University Settlement movement which was started by Samuel & Henrietta Barnett, an Anglican priest and his wife in the East End of London.
In time we became two separate organisations – the Parish Church of St Christopher’s, Walworth, and Pembroke House (now a registered charity, the Pembroke College Settlement). We continue to work closely together to serve our neighbourhood in Walworth.