Presbyterian Church, Aldershot facts for kids
The English Presbyterian Church in Aldershot, Hampshire, was once a special church for people who followed the Presbyterian faith. It was built in 1863. In 1972, most Presbyterian churches, including this one, joined with other churches to form the United Reformed Church. Later, in the late 1970s, the building was bought by the New Testament Church of God (NTCOG). They still use it for their worship today.
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The Church's Story
This church is located in the middle of Victoria Road in Aldershot, Hampshire. It was designed in the Italianate Style, which means it looks a bit like old Italian buildings. It has two towers at the front. The church is one of the oldest buildings in the town centre.
How the Church Was Built
The church was started in 1862 and finished by 1863. It cost about £5,000 to build. A local person named William Reavell had the idea to build a Presbyterian Church in Aldershot. He held a meeting in October 1861 to talk about it.
The land on Victoria Road was bought in September 1862 for £210. The next year, a company called John Martin won the job to build the church. They built it for £1,835, following the plans of architect G. B. Musselwhite. A special upper seating area, called a gallery, was added in 1872.
The Church's Surroundings
The church was built when the civilian town centre was just starting to grow. It used to sit on a large piece of land. This land stretched to what is now Station Road. The road in front of the church was just a dirt path back then, but it had recently been named 'Victoria Road'.
Behind the church, there was a Sunday school and a meeting hall. A house for the minister, called a Manse, was also built next to the church. This Manse was later used as a Gospel Hall. The church was once in the middle of open fields. Over time, these fields were developed with other buildings. The original entrance had two small gates in a wall on Victoria Road, but these are no longer there.
The English Presbyterian church in Aldershot was part of the London South area. The church, with its gallery, could seat 700 people in its original wooden pews. During World War I, the church helped soldiers from the nearby army camp. It offered services, places to write letters, tea, and entertainment.
Later Years and New Beginnings
In 1972, many churches from the Congregational Church in England and Wales and almost all the churches from the Presbyterian Church of England decided to join together. This included the church in Aldershot. They formed the United Reformed Church in England.
By the 1970s, the church building was empty and falling apart. At that time, the local group of the New Testament Church of God bought it. They have been worshipping there ever since. They have a lively and growing group of people who attend.
Two memorials from World War I were originally in this church. You can now find them on the porch of St Andrew's Garrison Church in Aldershot.
