Waterlooville Baptist Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waterlooville Baptist Church |
|
|---|---|
_(5).JPG)
The church from the northwest
|
|
| 50°53′05″N 1°01′35″W / 50.884702°N 1.026436°W | |
| Location | 368 London Road, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO7 7SY |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Baptist |
| Website | www.waterloovillebaptist.org.uk |
| History | |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | 1872 (as Ebenezer Chapel) |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | Michael Manser |
| Style | Modernist |
| Groundbreaking | 1966 |
| Completed | 1967 |
| Administration | |
| District | South Eastern Baptist Association |
Waterlooville Baptist Church is a special church for Baptists in Waterlooville, a town in southeast England. It was built in 1966 to replace an older church from the Victorian era. This church is part of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, which connects many Baptist churches across the country.
Contents
History of Waterlooville Baptist Church
Waterlooville started as a small settlement in the early 1800s. It grew along the main road from London to Portsmouth. Over time, it changed from a quiet residential area into a busy "large village" with many shops and homes. By the 1960s, it had become a big suburban area.
Early Churches in Waterlooville
At first, Waterlooville was part of the Farlington church area. The main Church of England church, St George's, was built in the early 1800s. For people who were not part of the Church of England, there was a building called Ebenezer Chapel, opened in 1874.
Later, a new Baptist church was built between 1884 and 1885. It was designed by George Rake, a well-known local architect. This church was quite fancy, with an Italianate style and a tall tower. It was one of the most important buildings in the town.
A New Church for a Growing Town
After World War II, Waterlooville grew very quickly. Many people moved there from Portsmouth, which had been damaged during the war. Because of this growth, the town center was rebuilt in the 1960s. The old Baptist church from 1885 was taken down to make way for new buildings.
A new spot for the church was found further north on London Road. Construction of the new church began in 1966. It was finished and opened its doors in 1967.
Architecture and Design
The new Waterlooville Baptist Church was designed by architect Michael Manser. He started his own architecture firm in 1961 and was known for his very modern designs. His plan for this church showed his modern style.
Modern Look and Feel
Many experts have praised the church's design. One expert called it "elegant and superbly constructed." They also noted how clever the inside layout was. The church is built with a steel frame using strong, black-painted beams.
The front of the church has large glass walls. These glass walls enclose the entrance area. Inside, the church is a tall, box-shaped space. A tall wall in the middle divides the main church area from a hall behind it. You can even see the back of this dividing wall through the glass front of the church.
Inside the Church
There is also an entrance on the side of the building. The hall behind the main church area can be used for many different activities. On the sides of the hall are smaller rooms for offices and other uses. There is also a screen that can be moved to divide the hall and the church.
The dividing wall is made of rough, grey brick. The side rooms and the back of the building are also made of this same brick. The furniture inside the church is simple and modern, made of marble and steel. However, there is an old pulpit from the 1800s, which adds a touch of history.
Church Activities and Community
Waterlooville Baptist Church is officially registered for worship. It was also registered to hold weddings starting in 1967. The church is part of the Southern Counties Baptist Association, which is one of the regional groups within the larger Baptists Together organization.
The church holds services on Sundays. They also have many other activities for the community throughout the week. The church is home to groups like the Boys' Brigade and Girls' Brigade, which are youth organizations.
Since 2016, the church has been working with two other local churches on a project in Berewood. Berewood is a new housing area being built near Waterlooville. They hold regular activities at Berewood Primary School in the new estate.
See also
