Poole United Reformed Church facts for kids
Skinner Street United Reformed Church is a very old church located in Poole, Dorset, England. It is the oldest church building still standing in Poole. This special building is the only church in Poole that was built in the 1700s. Because it is so old and important, it is a Grade II* listed building. Inside, you can find the grave of Cyril Coles, who was one of the first soldiers to use a tank in a battle back in 1916. Today, the church is also used as a place where adults can go to learn new things.
A Look Back in Time: The Church's History
The very first church building, called a chapel, was built here in 1662. This makes it the oldest church in Poole that is still around today. A year later, in 1663, the grandfather of the famous John Wesley became the first minister of this chapel.
The church moved into a new building in 1760. Then, the beautiful Georgian building you see today was built in 1777. It cost about £1,440 to build. This makes it the only church in Poole from the 1700s.
Over the years, the church grew. A new room, called a vestry, was added in 1814. The main chapel was made bigger in 1823, with new seating areas called galleries. This expansion cost around £2,000. The roof of the church was also changed in 1886.
In the 1800s, more than 1,000 people attended the church regularly. Because so many people came, new churches were started from this one. Some of these new United Reformed Churches were even built far away, like in Newfoundland.
The church building, along with its front wall and railings, was officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building in 1954. This means it is a very important historic building. In 2014, the church received £5,000 to help fix its roof. The church also helps the community. For example, in 2015, it offered free dental care and flu shots to people experiencing homelessness.
In 2021, a special blue plaque was placed at the church. This plaque honors Philip Henry Gosse, a famous naturalist who studied nature.
