Starting as the Foreign Missions Club in 1893, The Highbury Centre has been offering Christian accommodation in North London for over 125 years.
When the Foreign Missions Club was formed, one of the key goals was to offer missionaries a comfortable, safe, and friendly place to stay in London.
From the very start, The Highbury Centre has had a vision to welcome those who work for the Lord, to offer restoration and peace as they refuel for the next part of their journey.
London has changed over the years, but the vision has never changed. A verse from 2 Samuel 16:14 clearly describes why The Highbury Centre was founded, “They came weary, and refreshed themselves there” (KJV).
Our guests find exactly that – they refresh themselves here. We love to watch them experiencing relaxation and restoration in our beautiful building as they spend time reading, resting, and making new friends.
It’s a privilege for us at the Highbury Centre to be able to do our bit in helping others fulfil the Lord’s purpose for them.
Over the years, the FMC expanded and blossomed, offering accommodation and a warm welcome to thousands of guests. But it was not always easy. It went through difficult times.
Miraculously, it escaped serious damage during the Second World War. In 1954, due to a compulsory purchase order, the FMC moved to its current home in Aberdeen Park, near Highbury Fields.
And in the beginning of April 2020 for the first time, The Highbury Centre had to shut its door to its guests. What is a guest house without guests?
It was not an easy time for any business, and Tourism Sector suffered a big loss. But even though we had to go through challenges, God had been our Rock of Help. In 1 Samuel 7:12, Samuel took a large stone and named it Ebenezer for he said, “Thus far the Lord has helped us!”
As we reflect on the past year, we thank God He has been our help in times of troubles.
It was not easy to plan for the future and still isn’t, but we trust the Lord. God founded this place. The Lord helped it through difficult times like the First World War, the Second World War, post-war period, Covid-19, and He will continue doing so.
Of course, we feel safe when our routine of life is without stress or any uncertainty. But what we have learned over these 18 months is to give thanks to God.
No matter what is happening around us, no matter what “now” is looking like - the Lord has promised His protection, His peace, His blessings, His abundant life.
Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Matthew 24:35 – NKJV).
His word concerning The Highbury Centre, His word concerning YOU will never lose its power or fail. His word will accomplish its purpose.
We believe that God’s purpose for The Highbury Centre has not been accomplished yet. There are still people who are searching for that peaceful place in the centre of London. And The Highbury Centre will continue being that place.
To find out more about our accommodation or its history, go to: www.thehighburycentre.org
