Churchgoers build up a considerable following in Bognor

Within three years, a small chapel existed at 30 Chichester Road. This chapel, near Springfield, became the Bognor Hospital.

By 1816, an evangelical magazine made the following recommendation: "To the friends of religion who leave London for the summer months to enjoy the advantages of a country retreat, Bognor presents many attractions.

To the most pleasant rural scenery, it unites the finest opportunities of sea bathing and, while sufficiently frequented to afford ample society, it avoids the dissipations of places more generally resorted to".

This is within 17 years of Sir Richard Hotham's death. By 1817, the town map clearly shows the 'meeting house' in Chichester Road.

In 1826, the Rev Matthew Wilks 'conveyed land' in Dorset Gardens, which was then a cul-de-sac, for 10/- to the Rev James Edwards for the erection of a chapel, which became known as Hanover Chapel in 'deference to the Royal House' of the time.

It was opened on August 31, at a cost of 300, and provided seating for 200 people.

The 1852 Town Guide mentioned that the 'Hanover chapel belongs to trusts for the use of Congregational Independents'. One of the visiting speakers to the hall was Miss Aggie Weston, known as the sailor's friend, and after whom the homes were named.

There were only three burials carried out at the chapel, but later they were removed to the New Town cemetery in Town Cross Ave. Gradually the fortunes of the chapel changed and a site was bought on the junction of London Road and the High Street.

This was an area used by Mr Munday, a farmer, to keep his cows. By August 24 1868, building had commenced, the memorial stone was laid on November 30 and the first services took place in July 1869.

The early gothic style building had cost 2,621 and the Bognor guides felt that it was a 'neat and commodious structure'. The Hanover chapel continued to be used as a Sunday school and lecture hall. In 1897, this building was renamed The Victoria Theatre and was used by touring companies to entertain Bognor residents.

The building was situated opposite St John's Church. In 1920, the Reynolds family bought the hall and it became an auction room and store.

According to early records of the church, there were many activities provided for church members in 1908, which included a picnic to Slindon, socials, choirs, a woman's sewing group, and a tennis club.

There are numerous records of charabanc trips to local villages. The average weekly collection at this time was 1. 9s. 0d., about 1.45p.

The church and its religious fortunes continued and, in 1910, Mr William A Hounson from Hove bought land on the east side of London Road.

He was a Congregational benefactor and it is thought that WA Hounson's grandfather was one of the original worshippers in South Bersted.

By January 11, 1911, the building was opened and consisted of two floors with a porch entrance and a small front garden.

By 1963 this building, which was situated behind the Hansford Shop was used as the town library.

The church at the junction of London Road and the High Street was popular.

In 1929, approaches were made to buy the site but after complaints by the congregation of being disturbed "by the upraor of traffic", the church sold the site to Timothy Whites and Co for 17,000.

A clause was inserted stating "that no building now erected or hereafter to be erected on the land or any part thereof shall at any time hereafter be used as premises licensed for the sale of alcoholic liquor other that medicated or medicinal wines".

In addition there was a ban on the use of the site for theatrical, cinematographical or dance hall purposes.

The church moved to a site in Linden Road, which was part of the kitchen garden of a house called The Hawthorns. The church was constructed by building company Messrs HW Seymour and Co of Bognor.

On December 11, 1929, the foundation stone was laid at today's site and by 1930 the church, which had cost 21,334.8s.7d was opened on Wednesday, October 29, with a dedication service.

One newspaper reported that "the progress of the Congregational movement in Bognor Regis was well illustrated on Wednesday, a great day in the annauls of Local Free Church history, when a crowded congregational took part in the opening and dedication of the new church".

The long report also noted the 'rich note of joyousness marked the whole days proceedings, joy not only because a dream had been fulfilled, in bricks and mortar, but because they, the Congregationalists in Bognor Regis were entering upon a new era of adventure in spiritual things'. The institute in London Road was sold to Mr Hansford in 1930.

The church year book for 1930 described the new church as being arranged to 'form a composite building', because the church had its main entrance in Linden Road but was separate from the adjoining hall.

The church was 'cruciform in plan, with chancel 21 feet by 18 feet forming the head of the cross'. While the church had its main entrance in Linden Road, there was a small walk way through from Burnham Ave allowing people to enter the church from the north and south.

During the second world war, the Sunday school premises were used by the Duppas School from Croydon and two air raid shelters were erected to the west side of the church. In 1942, the church was bombed and the north window damaged.

After the war, the West Sussex educational authorities took over the school and used the premises for Michael Ayres school pupils until their school was completed.

By 1946, the Manse had been bought in Linden Road, thus completing the journey of this church from its humble beginnings in Chichester Road in 1812.

During the 1980s, the church was even seen regularly on national television as comedian Dave Allen used it for his confessional scenes in his television series.

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The church was paid a nominal 10 towards church funds.

The church has grown and is well used today.

Their magazine The Messenger gives an indication of all the organisations and groups that use the premises as well as the wide range of activities involving all age groups, similar to the early days of the church.

I am collating a study on churches and religions in our area and would gratefully receive any information to ensure the details I have are up-to-date. Please contact me with your information.