Rotunda, Aldershot facts for kids
The Rotunda was a special church in Aldershot, Hampshire, in the United Kingdom. It was built by the Primitive Methodists and finished in 1876. The church was torn down in the 1980s. Even though it was called "The Rotunda," which usually means a round building, it was actually shaped like an octagon (an eight-sided shape). This made it very unique, as it was one of only 14 octagonal churches built by the Methodists.
Methodism in Aldershot
Methodism is a type of Protestant Christian faith. In 1856, a minister named Rev Dr William Harris Rule came to Aldershot. His job was to start Methodist work among the soldiers there. He stayed until 1865.
The Wesleyan Methodists, another group within Methodism, helped pay for a chapel made of iron. This chapel was opened on July 10, 1857. Later, a house for the minister and a special home for soldiers were added. At first, Methodism was not officially recognized by the Army. There was some disagreement from other local church leaders. However, Dr. Rule had support from important people like Lieut-General William Knollys. By 1862, Methodism was accepted under the category "Other Protestants," and their work could continue.
At that time, the Primitive Methodists had chapels on Victoria Road (which became The Rotunda) and Ash Road. The Wesleyan Methodists had their own church on Grosvenor Road, which was finished in 1877.
The Rotunda Church
The Rotunda church was built with red bricks and a slate roof. It stood on the corner of Victoria Road and Albert Road in Aldershot. Building started in 1874 and was completed in 1876. The land for the church was given by Richard Allden, a local businessman. The money for building, about £16,500, came from donations and people giving money voluntarily.
The architect, Thomas Wonnacott, designed the church with its special octagonal shape. A local builder named George Kemp did the construction.
A report from the Primitive Methodist Yearly Report in 1875-76 mentioned: "At Aldershot, the big military base, we have built a schoolroom and a house for the minister; the church is being built. Several soldiers have become Christians, including three young men who are sons of ministers. In early 1875, we opened our school room, which is now used as a temporary church."
The church was first called 'The Primitive Methodist Church'. In 1932, the Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist groups joined together. After this, The Rotunda church was sold to the Reformed Episcopal Church of England and renamed Christ Church.
The building was special because of its eight-sided shape and the many special plaques on its inside walls. Next to the church was Christ Church Hall, which was originally the schoolroom for the Methodist church. This hall had four foundation stones laid on December 15, 1874. The church building itself also had four foundation stones on its Victoria Road side, dated March 22, 1876. Inside the church, there were seven sections of seats. The eighth section held the pulpit, where the minister spoke. This seating arrangement made sure everyone felt equal.
Demolition of The Rotunda
In 1962, the building was sold again. It was changed into apartments, a driving center, and a warehouse. It stopped being a place of worship in 1971. Even though local people tried to save it, pointing out its unique design and importance to Aldershot's history, it was torn down in the 1980s. The company that demolished it, George Kemp Stroud & Co Ltd, was actually the successor to George Kemp, the original builder of the church.
Today, a small business area called the Rotunda Industrial Estate stands on the site where the church once was.
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