The Building

LEFT: An external view of the church, looking up the High Street
(Photographs courtesy of, & © 2008 Christopher Sparks and 2005, Rev Brian Harley)

The present building is the third to have been built on this site and was opened in 1883. The land was acquired and the first chapel erected in 1841 on the edge of the old village, but the church is now right at the heart of the town. The clock tower was damaged in the Second World War but was rebuilt and completed in 1954.

Visitors frequently comment that the church has a warm and welcoming feel to it.

The facilities are ageing and we are well in to an exciting project to bring this fine 19th Century building into the 21st Century; making it more accessible, flexible and usable.

Please see the Building For The Future page for more details.

History Of The Church

You can read two items about the history.

A booklet entitled "Glory To God In The High Street, Shanklin - A Brief Guide To The History Of Christianity In The Town And The United Reformed Church" by Keith Towers
An extract from the Congregational Year Book of 1882.

The Interior

LEFT: A view of the inside of the church, from the gallery. This was changed slightly in 2007 as the pulpit was removed and the stage extended.

Compare this with the view below taken in 2008 showing the extended stage area.

LEFT: Two more views of the inside of the church, from the ground floor.

The church looks even better with people inside!
(Nos. 1, 3 & 4 of the above interior photographs courtesy of & © 2005 Ken Fry
No. 2 of the above interior photographs courtesy of & © 2008 Christopher Sparks)

LEFT: A view of the new platform installed in August 2007.

See a collection of pictures from the work on the extended stage.

Page Last Updated 28 February 2010