The building on Thorney Road is a significant link to the spiritual history of the Parish, known locally as the Pentecostal Mission.
This tin tabernacle church, also known as an iron church, is a type of prefabricated ecclesiastical building made from corrugated galvanised iron. They were developed in response to the needs of residents for places of worship due to rapid expansion of many towns in both rural and coastal locations. This demand resulted in the building of more than 4,000 churches in the mid 19th century, and a growing need for even more.
Did you know?
These prefabricated churches were common in Victorian times, and a large number were shipped abroad for use by Missions overseas, as they could be transported completely flat. Many ended up painted Land Rover green as this was readily available and the paint lasted well in all climates!
The Church of England was initially sceptical about corrugated iron buildings, but their popularity grew when they were exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851. Their manufacturers found a ready market in the colonies of the British Empire where 19 such churches were erected in Melbourne, Australia alone by 1851. Landowners or employers frequently donated plots of land to put them up and sometimes funded the whole cost of the building, although many were paid for by public subscription.
Did you know?
An article in the Hants and Sussex County press reported that the Southbourne congregation, having previously had to hold prayer meetings in a local cottage, found a tin tabernacle in Selsey, dismantled it and then re-erected it on the land off Thorney Road!
Whilst it is not exactly certain when this tin tabernacle was erected here it was registered as a Place of Worship in 1855, and the first official service was held on 17 August 1917. Local residents and supporters donated furniture and 50 hymn books (Redemption Songs) to the church.
Captain Hodgkins from Emsworth and Mr Wigglesworth from Bradford were reported as leading the first afternoon meeting, with a Mr Rogers presiding. The building has changed little over the years, and is in relatively good repair, but currently not in use.
Did you know?
Southbourne actually has two tin tabernacles! Emmanuel Free Church (below) was founded in a barn in Prinsted in 1855 and also used a tin tabernacle, bought from Portsmouth and reassembled in The Drive, south of St John’s Church. The first service was held there in March 1908.
In 1975 the Southbourne tin tabernacle was completely refurbished inside and out and in 2020 the church and adjoining hall were decorated and the front updated to provide a new glazed porch and disabled access.
In nearby Woodmancote there is also a much larger tin tabernacle, recently renovated . Woodmancote Church, seen below and earlier known as a Chapel, was erected in October 1892 and is the oldest of only two active Anglican tin tabernacles still being used for divine service in Sussex, and the fourth oldest one in the UK.
St Margaret’s tin tabernacle church from South Wonston, near Winchester, Hampshire, is also now rebuilt on site at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, West Sussex.
Southbourne tin tabernacle Thorney Road Lat: 50.843575N, Long: -0.927429W
- See the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum tin tabernacle – click here
- Read about the Westbourne Parish tin tabernacle chapel – click here