St Mary Magdalene, Paddington

St Mary Magdalene, Paddington, is a Grade I listed Anglican church at Rowington Close, London, dedicated to Jesus' follower, Saint Mary Magdalene. The parish was established in 1865 and work on the church started in 1867. Although complete in 1872 (1872), a fire destroyed the brand new roof so the first Mass in the new building could not be celebrated until St Mary Magdalene's Day, 22 July 1873. The church was consecrated after completion of interior decoration on 21 October 1878 (1878-10-21). The architect was George Edmund Street, and this church is considered to be his masterpiece. It includes notable stained glass by Henry Holiday, Salviati mosaics, sculptures by Thomas Earp, a later crypt chapel by Ninian Comper, and a War Memorial by Martin Travers. The painted ceiling of the nave, the work of Daniel Bell, was cleaned and restored during 2018–19, with the help of a grant from the Lottery Heritage Fund. With assistance from the Paddington Development Trust, an extension was also built, containing additional spaces and facilities intended for use by the wider local community.