 Brief History
St Edmund's is a hall church which is used as a community resource during the week for activities such as play groups, badminton, Brownies, etc, but which converts into a church when services are to be held. The church was opened in 1955, the result of the inspiration, determination and hard work of many local people.
The building consists primarily of a central hall, with a stage at one end and the chancel at the other, the latter being divided from the hall by large folding doors. In the 1970s, a second, smaller hall was constructed adjoining the west wall of the main building, and is named in honour of St Edmund's first Church Warden, William Goddard.
Chuch Life
The services at St. Edmund’s vary in style from the simple early morning said communion to the relaxed atmosphere of the family service. Below is a brief description of services.
- 8 am services - short, said services of Holy Communion, which last just under an hour.
- 10 am services - these services vary from week to week, providing both traditional and more modern forms of worship, all with music. They are followed by refreshments to give us all an opportunity to get to know each other better.
- 1st and 3rd Sundays: a traditional service of Holy Communion, using the New Common Worship form of service. This service lasts about an hour.
- 2nd Sundays - a service for all the family to attend together. It includes modern songs and choruses, and has a relaxed atmosphere. It lasts just under an hour.
- 4th Sundays – Sunday Specials, which explore contemporary themes of general interest, such as marriage, divorce, crime and punishment, world religions, etc. These services last about an hour.
- 5th Sundays - Our service format varies on fifth Sundays, and we sometimes join the worship at other Churches in our Team Ministry. Please check for details.
- 6.30pm services – Every Sunday, the churches in the Parish join together for evening worship, normally at St Mary’s.
For further details of weekly worship at St. Edmund’s, click here.
For information on groups and organisations at St. Edmund’s, click here.
How to get there
By Road
St. Edmund's is within 20 minutes of both the M25 and M23. From these M25, you will need to take Junction 7 (A23) and follow the signs to Croydon. Stay on this road until you come to Purley Cross. Here, you will need to be in the right hand lane and follow signs to Sanderstead. From here, follow the road until you come down a hill. Just before a zebra crossing, St. Edmund's is on the left hand side.If you are coming from London, Follow signs to South Croydon (A23). You will come to a Sign for Sanderstead. This is known as Purley Oaks. Follow road to top of hill and turn Right into Sanderstead Hill. At the Roundabout, take the third turning passing All Saints', which will be on your right. Follow the road down the hill until you come to the zebra crossing, St. Edmund’s is on your right.
By Train
Take the East Grinstead Line south from London Victoria or London Bridge. Get off at Riddlesdown, which is in Zone 6, and then walk up Lower Barn Road. St. Edmund's Church is on the corner at the junction with Mitchley Avenue..
By Bus
The 412 bus stops outside the Church at the Lower Barn Road bus stops. This bus runs between Croydon and Purley.
Places to Stay
There are various hotels and guesthouses in the area which can provide suitable accommodation for visitors to the area. For listings, please see our Community section
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