Appendix 5
Description of the New Church Building at Sherborne Road, Chichester, opened on 13th September, 1958
The following is an extract from a description sent to the Baptist Times shortly after the opening:
“The new building occupies a prominent corner site with ample room for future extension. The Architect has made full use of modern techniques and materials, whilst avoiding extremes. The flat roofed ancillary rooms group around the ends of the main church which rises above and dominates the site and the feeling of height is accentuated by the precast concrete columns framing the windows on either side, the cills of which are kept high to prevent distraction during the services, but glazed with clear glass so that worshippers may see the trees and sky. The front elevation presents a wide and full height glazed entrance screen flanked on either side by random coursed sandstone walls and above rises the west window of the Church in which the central mullion and transom are shaped and projected in the form of a cross. The entrance screen gives access to a large vestibule designed as a gathering point for social intercourse before and after services, and here too a bronze wall plaque expresses the appreciation of the Church for a gift of a proportion of their War Damage Compensation by Lake Road Church, Portsmouth.
In the Church itself the main feature is a brick arch over the rostrum and baptistry, behind which a plastered wall, painted off-white, is illuminated from above by skylights. Another unusual feature is the ceiling, which is at two levels. The central portion, following the slope of the roof, is illuminated by concealed fluorescent lighting and on either side a curved ceiling follows the line of the underside of the roof construction and is painted clear blue. This method provides a soft and even distribution of light which it is hoped will add to the dignity of the interior treatment. There is a beautiful baptistry finished in white tiles with buff non-slip tiles to the floor and steps.
The remaining accommodation consists of a Minister’s Vestry, Cloakrooms, a large kitchen and store, equipped with ample cupboards and including a hatch through to the small hall for refreshments to be served at social functions. The Hall – which has a dado painted with an attractive new ‘spotted paint’ – is equipped for Sunday School and Lecture purposes, including a white plaster projector screen. Floors are of wood block, except the kitchen which is lino-tiled, and heating is by infra-red ray heaters.”
The random-coursed stone referred to was Fittleworth stone, believed to be from one of the last stone quarries in West Sussex, and was knapped on site.The buildings were extended in 1975 by the addition of a larger hall (the ‘North Hall’) and two additional classrooms.