Next on the route was St Margaret’s Church and Community Churchyard, the oldest building in Edgware, with a history dating back to the 13th century. This historic church has been a continuous place of Christian worship and community service for over 700 years. The current structure, largely rebuilt in the 1760s, houses bells that were cast during that period and remain in regular use, following a significant restoration effort from 2012 to 2014. The churchyard, transformed in 2019 into a peaceful sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of Edgware’s main street, offers a quiet place for reflection and connection with the divine. Additionally, the historic almshouses associated with the church, dating back to 1680, provide a fascinating glimpse into the community’s long-standing commitment to social welfare.

The walk then led participants to the Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue, a cornerstone of the local Jewish community. This synagogue, formed from the merger of two historic Jewish congregations—Edgware & District Reform Synagogue and Hendon Reform Synagogue—stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Jewish life in North London. The merger, completed in 2016, brought together these communities into a single, vibrant congregation of over 3,000 members. The synagogue is known for its two walls of stunning stained-glass windows, which were donated by congregants in memory of loved ones and have become symbolic of the community’s deep ties to its history and traditions. Today, the synagogue continues to serve as a vital center for worship, learning, and community life, offering a wide range of activities that cater to the spiritual and social needs of its members.

The final stop on the Faith and Peace Walk was the OneStonegrove Community Centre & St Peter’s Church, an award-winning facility that exemplifies the power of community-led development. Completed in 2016, OneStonegrove replaced two aging 1960s buildings with a state-of-the-art facility that combines innovative architectural design with a strong social mission. The project, inspired by the roof structure of the old St Peter’s Church, was designed to reflect the history and character of the Stonegrove estate while providing a modern space for worship and community activities. The center is managed by the Stonegrove Community Trust, a resident-led organization that has infused the space with a dynamic and inclusive spirit. OneStonegrove hosts a wide range of activities, including programs for families, young people, and the elderly, as well as environmental initiatives such as community gardening. A standout feature of the center is its £100,000 solar panel array, the largest charity-owned solar project in London. This installation underscores OneStonegrove’s commitment to sustainability, with the goal of becoming completely carbon neutral in the coming years.

The Faith and Peace Walk in Edgware serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and beauty found in diversity and the potential for interfaith collaboration to foster a more peaceful and harmonious society. As participants departed from OneStonegrove, they carried with them not only the memories of the day but also a renewed commitment to building bridges of understanding and working together for the common good.