About Us

The Corporation of The Church House was founded as a charity in 1888 by Royal Charter. The building’s initial purpose was to serve as a home for the Synod of the Church of England. Today that purpose is still served, along with being a home for National Church Institutions (NCI’s). Our building is also home for several commercial organisations, who have chosen our building for its beautiful heritage features, and commitment to sustainability, all combined with modern working amenities.

Church House also operates as a successful conference venue, holding hundreds of events each year, and has been trading since 1990 as Church House, Westminster – hosting events for many prestigious national and international organisations as well as individuals. We are ‘a building of light, for the people of light.’

Our History

1888
The Corporation of The Church House was founded as a charity in 1888 by Royal Charter

The Corporation of The Church House was founded as a charity in 1888 by Royal Charter
July 1, 1888
1931
The original Church House HQ building was demolished and rebuilt next to Westminster Abbey.

The original Church House HQ building was demolished and rebuilt next to Westminster Abbey.
June 1, 1931
1945
The Univted Nations chose Church House to hold the first ever Preparatory Commission and Security Council meeting.

The Univted Nations chose Church House to hold the first ever Preparatory Commission and Security Council meeting.
June 4, 1945
1990
The Church House Building began trading as a conference centre; a wholly-owned trading subsidiary of the Corporation.

The Church House Building began trading as a conference centre; a wholly-owned trading subsidiary of the Corporation.
June 13, 1990
2023
Today The Corporation of The Church House supports good causes, as well as serving members of The Church of England in need. We believe in providing a safe space for important conversations through free speech and constructive debate.

Today The Corporation of The Church House supports good causes, as well as serving members of The Church of England in need. We believe in providing a safe space for important conversations through free speech and constructive debate.
June 23, 2023

Rebuilt in 1931, our iconic headquarters building was designed by world-renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker. The foundation stones were laid by Queen Mary and the building was officially opened by His Majesty, King George VI in 1940.

Church House was designed to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee; with the purpose of being the home for the Church Assembly (now the General Synod) of the Church of England. The General Synod meets up to two times a year - once in London; and once in York.

Church House was described as “a boat in the storm for the House of Commons,” during World War II where it served as the headquarters for the House of Commons, while the Palace of Westminster underwent repairs.

The first-ever United Nations General Assembly and UN Preparatory Commission and Security Council meeting took place at Church House in 1945.

About Us

Our History

The Corporation of The Church House was founded as a charity in 1888 by Royal Charter

The original Church House HQ building was demolished and rebuilt next to Westminster Abbey.

The Univted Nations chose Church House to hold the first ever Preparatory Commission and Security Council meeting.

The Church House Building began trading as a conference centre; a wholly-owned trading subsidiary of the Corporation.

Today The Corporation of The Church House supports good causes, as well as serving members of The Church of England in need. We believe in providing a safe space for important conversations through free speech and constructive debate.