The Mystical Church of the Comforter is London’s most curious church. It is situated in a disused waiting-room next to the Booking Office at Denmark Hill station. In this church Mohammedans to the Jewish faith can worship without breaking any of their religious laws. The leader and founder of the church is Mrs. Elizabeth Skinner, whose official title is ‘The Messenger.’
Elizabeth Mary Ann Eagle Skinner (nee Roberts) was born on August 30, 1875 in Bethnal Green, Greater London, England. She married Arthur John Skinner (1867–1953), who was a schoolmaster at Alleyn’s Dulwich. She founded the Church in 1901 and it moved into the disused waiting room next to the ticket office at Denmark Hill around 1920.
The church made heavy use of symbolism. The altar was painted white and surrounded by the seven colors of the rainbow. Seven steps led up to the altar. There were two pillars in the worship space, representing beauty and strength. The badge worn by members was a dove in a circle, holding a seven-leafed branch in its beak.
Mrs Skinner was a tall, commanding-looking woman. Her official title was ‘The Messenger’ but most of the members called her mother. In ceremony, she wore white robes ornamented with mystical signs. Mrs Skinner was said to be a Rosicrucian (or to have connections to inner orders of Rosicrucianism). The signs used in her services corresponded to symbolic systems associated with mystical societies.
Mrs Skinner died on November 24, 1929. She was buried in Camberwell Old Cemetery. Her death was noted in multiple newspapers, which report that many people attended, suggesting she had a devoted following.
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