English Church

English Church (Christ Church) in Lausanne is the largest Anglican church in Switzerland and a fine Victorian Gothic Revival landmark above Lake Geneva. It stands at Avenue de l'Église-Anglaise 1 and is listed as a historic monument by the canton of Vaud.

What is the English Church in Lausanne?

It is a Church of England chaplaincy, part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Its formal name is Christ Church, though locals call it the "Église anglaise" or "Église anglicane". Do not confuse it with the Scots Kirk on Avenue de Rumine, which is a Presbyterian congregation.

What is its history?

Anglicans have gathered in Lausanne since 1816, when a first service was held in the Chapelle de la Mercerie; the community drew up its first constitution in 1818. Reverend Isaac Kendal Cheesbrough served as chaplain from 1822 until his death in 1857.

In 1840 the congregation moved to the Temple de la Croix d'Ouchy, built jointly with the Reformed Church of Vaud. The English philanthropist William Haldimand covered much of the cost with a gift of CHF 75,000.

The present building was designed by George Edmund Street, the English Gothic Revival architect. The Swiss architect Edouard van Muyden supervised construction and adjusted the plans slightly. The foundation stone was laid on 19 June 1877 and the first service took place on 4 July 1878. Consecration followed on 6 June 1887, once the building debt was cleared. As the congregation grew, a south aisle and south transept were added in 1898.

What will you see?

The church is a Victorian Gothic Revival work that brings English models to a Swiss hillside setting. Street also designed All Saints in Vevey, so the two churches make a natural pair for architecture fans. Note the south aisle, a later addition that blends into the original body of the church.

When should you visit?

The English-language Sunday service starts at 10:30. The interior is easiest to see during services and parish events; check current opening times with the parish office on +41 21 312 65 63.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the English Church in Lausanne? At Avenue de l'Église-Anglaise 1, Lausanne, canton of Vaud.

Who designed it? George Edmund Street, with Edouard van Muyden supervising the work.

Is it the same as the Scots Kirk? No. The Scots Kirk at Avenue de Rumine 24 is a Scottish church, designed by Viollet-le-Duc and dedicated in 1877.

In what language are services held? English, on Sundays at 10:30.