Rotunda, Aldershot facts for kids
The Rotunda was a special church in Aldershot, a town in Hampshire, UK. It was built by a group called 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. This made it very unique, as it was one of only 14 octagonal (eight-sided) churches ever built by the Methodists.
Methodism Comes to Aldershot
In 1856, a minister named Dr. William Harris Rule came to Aldershot. His goal was to start Methodist religious work for the soldiers there. He stayed until 1865.
The Wesleyan Methodists helped pay for a special iron chapel. It was built on Church Street and opened on July 10, 1857. Later, a house for the minister and a home for soldiers were added.
At first, the Army didn't officially recognize Methodism as a religion. Local Anglican chaplains didn't like Dr. Rule's work. But Dr. Rule had support from a general named William Knollys. By 1862, Methodism was accepted under "Other Protestants," allowing their work to continue.
During this time, there were different Methodist groups in Aldershot. 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, finished in 1877.
Building The Rotunda Church
Construction for The Rotunda began in 1874 and finished in 1876. It was built for the Primitive Methodists. The church was made of red brick with a slate roof. It stood on the corner of Victoria Road and Albert Road in Aldershot.
The land for the church was given by Richard Allden, a local businessman. The building cost £16,500. This money was raised through donations from many people. The architect, Thomas Wonnacott, designed the church in an octagonal shape. This design was familiar to Methodists. A local builder named George Kemp built the church.
A report from 1875-76 about the Primitive Methodists said:
- "At Aldershot, the big army base, we have built a schoolroom and a house for the minister."
- "The church building is being built."
- "Several soldiers have become Christians."
- "Early in 1875, we opened our schoolroom, which is now used as a temporary church."
The church was first called 'The Primitive Methodist Church'. In 1932, the Wesleyan and Primitive Methodists joined together. After this, The Rotunda was sold to another church group, the Reformed Episcopal Church of England. They renamed it Christ Church.
The church was special because of its eight-sided shape. It also had many special plaques on its inside walls. Next to the church was Christ Church Hall, which was originally the Methodist schoolroom. This hall had four foundation stones laid in 1874. The church building itself had four foundation stones on its front, dated March 22, 1876. Inside the church, the seats were arranged in seven sections around the central pulpit. This seating style made everyone feel equal.
The Church's End
The building was sold again in 1962. It was then used as apartments, a driving center, and a warehouse. It stopped being a place of worship in 1971. Despite efforts by local people to save it, the church was torn down in the 1980s. People wanted to save it because of its unique design and its importance to Aldershot's history. The company that tore it down was George Kemp Stroud & Co Ltd, which was related to George Kemp, the original builder.
Today, a small business area called the Rotunda Industrial Estate stands on the site.
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