Presbyterian Church, Aldershot facts for kids
The English Presbyterian Church in Aldershot, Hampshire, was once a church for Presbyterians. It was built in 1863. This church served its community until 1972. At that time, many Presbyterian churches joined with other churches to form the United Reformed Church. The Aldershot church was part of this change. By the late 1970s, the building was empty and run-down. The New Testament Church of God bought it then. They still use the building for worship today.
Church History
This church is one of the oldest buildings in the center of Aldershot. It is located on Victoria Road. The church was designed in the Italianate Style. It has two towers at the front.
The idea for the church started in 1861. A local person named William Reavell called a public meeting. They wanted to build a Presbyterian Church in Aldershot. The land on Victoria Road was bought in September 1862. It cost £210.
The church building was finished by 1863. The company John Martin built it for £1,835. The total cost for the church was £5,000. A gallery was added inside the church in 1872. A house for the minister, called a Manse, was also built nearby. This Manse was later taken down around 1950.
When the church was built, the town center was just starting to grow. The church building was on a large piece of land. This land stretched to what is now Station Road. Victoria Road was just a dirt path back then.
The church also had a Sunday school and a meeting hall. These were attached to the back of the building. The church was so new that it was surrounded by open fields. Over time, these fields were developed with other buildings. The original entrance had two small gates. These gates were part of a wall on Victoria Road, but the wall is no longer there.
The church could seat 700 people. It had its original wooden pews. During World War I, the church helped soldiers. It offered services for them. Soldiers could write letters, drink tea, and find entertainment there.
Recent Years
In 1972, many churches joined together. Most churches from the Congregational Church in England and Wales and nearly all from the Presbyterian Church of England combined. They formed the United Reformed Church. The Aldershot church was part of this change.
By the 1970s, the building was empty and falling apart. The local group of the New Testament Church of God bought it. They have been worshipping there ever since. They have a lively church community today.
Two memorials from World War I were once in this church. They can now be found in the porch of St Andrew's Garrison Church in Aldershot.
