About
We are a warm and friendly church, seeking to love God and love the community around us.
St. Andrew’s exists to welcome everyone, whoever they are. We hope to create spaces where people can encounter Jesus for themselves and to find a community who will love and support them in the ups and downs of life.
Our heart is do as Jesus did, seeking to make the world a better place. Supporting development work and Christian charities around the world, and in the local area.
Our hall is used by local community groups such as a pre-school, support groups, and other activities. If you would like to book the hall please do get in touch >
You are so welcome!
You are so welcome!
Reverend James Barlow
VICAR
James is our vicar. He is married to Be and they have two children called Olive and Rapha. James is excited to be at St. Andrew’s and to serve the local community.
Our History
St. Andrew’s owes its location to the railway. A line was opened in 1837, and it was decided that a church was needed to serve the new population that this had created.
Work began in 1853 and St Andrew’s became the first Anglican church to be built in Watford since the Reformation. It was designed by the noted architect S. S. Teulon, and was consecrated in 1857.
A south aisle was added in 1866 and a permanent north aisle in 1872.
In 1979 the north aisle was remodelled to provide a church hall and other facilities. A new foyer and accessible toilet were added in 2007.
The tower clock was presented in 1883, and also a peal of hemispherical chimes. In its prime the clock was so well-known for its accuracy that express train drivers were reputed to set their watches by it.
The church has a fine three-manual organ, still in original condition, made by Brindley and Foster which was installed in 1883.
Most of the stained glass is Victorian, but the oldest windows, which came from a collection in Kensington, are nine Flemish medallions dating from around 1640. The strawberry design of their borders resembles a sample in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
St Andrew’s is a parish in the Watford Deanery of the Church of England, Diocese of St Albans.
We are members of the Watford Ecumenical Partnership along with Baptist, Methodist, Roman Catholic, and United Reformed churches in Watford.
We are members of Churches Together in Central, South and West Watford.
Through CTCSWW we are members of Christians Across Watford (CAW)
St Andrew’s is a Fairtrade church