The Georgian Orthodox Cathedral Church
Most astonishingly of all, even in the later Victorian period there were enough trusting, well-heeled Agapemonites in London for them to build a fine church in Clapton, termed the Ark of the Covenant. Here they could practice their faith without actually withdrawing from the world. In the statutory listing of this splendid and unusual church, with its dramatic iconographic scheme, Historic England explains that the family firm chosen to design it had a strong connection with the sect. "Joseph Morris & Sons" could well have been described as "Joseph Morris & Sons & Daughters," and Morris's daughters Violet and Olive were both members of the Spaxton commune. Violet, an architect herself, was most probably involved with the design of the "Ark." Olive, a wood-carver and, very unusually for that time, an engineer, would also have contributed something to it. She is thought to have carved the pulpit and maybe also the lectern. Looking at the iconography of the church, it is still possible to sense something of the heady atmosphere which the charismatic Prince had created, and which drew such people into his orbit.
John Betjeman thought that the Clapton church was a splendid edifice, and was quite taken with the "A"s, describing them as "good, gentle people, much maligned."
The Georgian Orthodox Cathedral Church
Most astonishingly of all, even in the later Victorian period there were enough trusting, well-heeled Agapemonites in London for them to build a fine church in Clapton, termed the Ark of the Covenant. Here they could practice their faith without actually withdrawing from the world. In the statutory listing of this splendid and unusual church, with its dramatic iconographic scheme, Historic England explains that the family firm chosen to design it had a strong connection with the sect. "Joseph Morris & Sons" could well have been described as "Joseph Morris & Sons & Daughters," and Morris's daughters Violet and Olive were both members of the Spaxton commune. Violet, an architect herself, was most probably involved with the design of the "Ark." Olive, a wood-carver and, very unusually for that time, an engineer, would also have contributed something to it. She is thought to have carved the pulpit and maybe also the lectern. Looking at the iconography of the church, it is still possible to sense something of the heady atmosphere which the charismatic Prince had created, and which drew such people into his orbit.
John Betjeman thought that the Clapton church was a splendid edifice, and was quite taken with the "A"s, describing them as "good, gentle people, much maligned."