Clacton on Sea, Essex
Christ Church United Reformed Church, Carnarvon Road, Clacton on Sea.
CHRIST CHURCH OPENED
The building, in Early English Gothic, comprised only the present nave, shorter by one bay, and the transept up to the partition. The interior was lit by gas, and an American organ provided music. There was a central pulpit, the "children's gallery', and seating for just under 400. Above the tower a spire rose to a height of about 80 feet. The Church occupied a prominent corner position, and, in addition to Anglefield forming an open space to the sea, the land to the rear was then largely undeveloped.
On Wednesday, June 29th, 1887, little more than a week after Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, Christ Church was opened in brilliant weather and 'under favourable auspices.'
The opening service commenced at 3.30 p.m. and was conducted by Thomas Batty and Edward Spurner. The sermon was preached by the succeeding Chairman of the Congregational Union, and he chose as his text the last covenant of Jesus with his disciples (Acts,1: 6-8) 'and ye shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.' To some at that time Clacton might well have seemed an uttermost part of the earth!
The congregation then adjourned for tea in the Public Hall, and, somewhat depleted, they returned to the Church for a public meeting, which was addressed at some length by several clergy and friends.
The total cost of the land and building had been £2,415, and there remained a deficit of about £500.
More information can be found here:-
Clacton on Sea, Essex
Christ Church United Reformed Church, Carnarvon Road, Clacton on Sea.
CHRIST CHURCH OPENED
The building, in Early English Gothic, comprised only the present nave, shorter by one bay, and the transept up to the partition. The interior was lit by gas, and an American organ provided music. There was a central pulpit, the "children's gallery', and seating for just under 400. Above the tower a spire rose to a height of about 80 feet. The Church occupied a prominent corner position, and, in addition to Anglefield forming an open space to the sea, the land to the rear was then largely undeveloped.
On Wednesday, June 29th, 1887, little more than a week after Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, Christ Church was opened in brilliant weather and 'under favourable auspices.'
The opening service commenced at 3.30 p.m. and was conducted by Thomas Batty and Edward Spurner. The sermon was preached by the succeeding Chairman of the Congregational Union, and he chose as his text the last covenant of Jesus with his disciples (Acts,1: 6-8) 'and ye shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.' To some at that time Clacton might well have seemed an uttermost part of the earth!
The congregation then adjourned for tea in the Public Hall, and, somewhat depleted, they returned to the Church for a public meeting, which was addressed at some length by several clergy and friends.
The total cost of the land and building had been £2,415, and there remained a deficit of about £500.
More information can be found here:-