1866

The first Brethren community in Balham

The story of Endlesham Hall stretches back to 1866, when a group of Christians called the Brethren arrived in Balham.

They started meeting in a building known as ‘The Iron Room’ in the grounds of Balham House at the bottom of Balham Hill and remained there for about eight years.

The early Brethren were renowned for their simple way of living, following the teachings of Jesus Christ and their message of unconditional love.

*The Duchess Theatre site of Balham House, 1900*

*A map showing Balham House, the first meeting place of the Brethern community, circa 1866*

1875

Building Balham
Grove Hall

As the Assembly grew, they found a more permanent site at the corner of Oldridge Road and Balham Grove. Building began on the strip of land and a year later, Balham Grove Hall was opened on 26th February 1876.

*The last day at Balham Grove Hall, 1936*

*“Why we need a New Hall” – an article in Our Fellowship Magazine, 1936*

For the next 60 years the Brethren met at Balham Grove Hall every Sunday, until in the 1930s they felt that the ageing space was no longer suitable for the growing community.

By the time the search began for a new location, the Sunday School had grown from humble beginnings in the 1870s to nearly 300 children.

1936

Moving to
Endlesham Road

In 1936, the church community approached a property developer who lived on Endlesham Road and agreed to sell them the site of no 48.

The members used their own resources and loans to buy the land between them. Among them was an architect who designed the new Hall at 48 Endlesham Road.

Endlesham Hall opened on 26th September 1936, following a joyous walk by the congregation from their old home at Balham Grove Hall.

*Singing outside the new Hall on opening day, 1936*

*Walking to the new Endlesham Hall from Balham Grove Hall, 1936*

In the years that followed, pastoral work with children and young people played a big part in church life and after the Second World War ‘Third Sunday Teas’ were organised for young people to meet and socialise.

Sunday School invitation, circa 1930 Sunday School portrait, 1955 — Sunday School invitation, circa 1930
Sunday School portrait, 1955

1960

Extending the Hall

After the Second World War ‘Third Sunday Teas’ were organised as an event for young people in the community to meet and enjoy social activities together. The remarkable growth of these gatherings led to Endlesham Hall being extended in 1960.

With a limited range of options for leisure activities for young people in the 1960s and 1970s, the Hall became a place where they encountered genuine love, integrity and belonging. By the 1970's there were over 200 people attending the youth group.

*The Youth Group outside Endlesham Hall, 1970*

1992

Balham Community Church

For nearly 30 years, Balham Community Church met at the Hall, taking care of the building and facilitating its use by the wider community.

During this time, everything from youth clubs to dance, music and drama lessons, birthday parties, gardening projects, yoga, Zumba and toddler groups made their home at Endlesham Hall. Many of these activities continue today.

As well as managing bookings by local groups, the church regularly hosted neighbourhood events like the annual street party, Sunday socials, youth groups, table top sales and film nights.

*Balham Community Church members outside Endlesham Hall, 2018*

Beyond Balham

As well as responding to local needs, the church community worked to improve lives across the world. The map below shows just some of the nations where volunteers carried out charity work such as building a children’s play area, delivering food parcels and helping to get vital vitamins and medication to remote villages.

2022 & beyond

The Hall today and our vision for the future

Besides the extension added in the 1960s, Endlesham Hall hasn’t changed much in 80 years.

Today, the Hall continues to be a vibrant hub for community activities. Run by a Christian charity, it provides a friendly, safe and affordable space for people of all ages to come together. The Hall is also registered for weddings, funerals, and as the local polling station.

But while the venue remains popular with local groups, we once again find ourselves struggling to maintain a tired and ageing building.

This much-loved building is an incredible resource in the heart of the community and, like our predecessors, we’ve reached a pivotal point in the story of Endlesham Hall. Our vision is to create a new facility that is modern, sustainable, versatile and fit for the future.