St Cyprian's Church , Clarence Gate, Marylebone

Celebrating its first Eucharist in 1866, Saint Cyprian's Church was a result of the dedication and perseverance by Father Charles Gutch to build a new church in the parish of Saint Marylebone, in order to help provide more access for the growing congregation. It was dedicated to Saint Cyprian of Carthage, a martyr, due to the Saint's reputation for kindness, goodness and aiding of the poor. However the choice of name was not without controversy and at first was objected to by the Bishop of London who saw it as out of keeping with the traditional naming regulations. In time the district was approved by the Queen and Saint Cyprian's became a distinct 'Parochial Charge', administered to by Father Gutch. However, it was not until after Father Gutch's death in 1896, that a permanent church was built. The church was designed by Ninian Comper, and is believed to have been the making of his successful career and architectural reputation. The Bishop of Kensington blessed the corner stone and it was laid on July 7th 1902 by Lady Wilfreda Biddulph, with construction finishing in 1903.