St
George's has a long history of ministry and social work in Leeds. Indeed the
aims of St George's to share the gospel, care for society and renew the church
can be seen threaded throughout this time.
The Church was built in 1838 to provide a place of worship on the West End
of Leeds. There was concern, at the time, in the Church of England that there
was a lack of Churches in the expanding cities to 'bring the good news' to
the people.
This practical reason for the founding of St George's is even reflected in
the architecture. The original architect was instructed to design in a 'plain
and bold style'.
From the beginning St George's has been involved in social work. By 1882 it
had founded three 'Day' and 'Sunday' schools in the local area. However under
the inspired vision of Don Robins in the 1930's, St George's was to become
renowned for its work with the poor.
The Great Depression had left many unemployed and poverty was on the increase.
Despite the Church's debts Don inspired St George's to rise to the challenge
of the Great Commission and to 'take the good news to the poor.'
The vision was caught. Alongside many other projects and organisations at
St George's, the ministry of the Crypt was started, with the aim of 'providing
for the needy'.
The building itself was dug out of the burial vaults under the church and
today, seventy years later, the Crypt continues to work for social justice.
In recent times, with renewed inspiration taken from the Commission of Jesus
in Luke Chapter 4 and Mary's Magnificat, St George's has undergone further
radical changes. In 1989 the Church was reordered in a flexible style, ideal
for worship, conferences, concerts and theatre productions. In 1990 a new
Community Church was founded in the residential part of the parish.
The Community
Church meets the challenging needs of our inner city parish - now split in
two by a city ring road. In 1999 the Church was granted District Church status
within the parish of St George. It has its own Church structure, Team Minister
and will soon have a new Church building.
'My soul magnifies the Lord for He hath done great things. Holy is his name.'
