Christchurch, North Street
Halfway up North Street, on the western side of Abergavenny, is Christchurch. Set among the Victorian - and later - houses, this wooden church looks as if it would be more at home in Scandinavia than Wales. In this residential area of the town, it is a testament to the area's industrial past and, remains an active Christian community. It is also, along with its Hall, a resource for the community.
History
The second half of the 19th century was a time of expansion all over the country, and Abergavenny was very much a part of it. With the tremendous surge of activity in the coal, iron and steel industries, the Valleys of what was then Western Monmouthshire were booming and transportation was vital.
The railway came to Abergavenny and the town extended westwards to accommodate the railway workers in the Cantref and Grofield districts. Regular worship was an important focus in community life at that time and it was decided that a new church should be built to make it more convenient for those people who until then had to struggle through muddy unpaved roads to attend services at St Mary’s, the parish church. Nowadays, those struggling to St Mary’s just have to contend with an unpaved car park!
Work started in 1879 and the first service took place on January 22 the following year, conducted by the Vicar of Abergavenny, Canon Bury Capel, followed the next day by a service in which the address was given by the Lord Bishop of the diocese, then Llandaff. Even then, money raised its ugly head—the collection at the first two services was around £29
but that still left a debt of £70 in the building fund, made up at the party after the second service by Mr Crawshay-Bailey.
Christchurch interior
During the next decade, the congregation grew steadily but by 1890 Canon Capel was having difficulty in funding the running of the church and the stipend of the Curate-in-Charge. Services were held at 8am, 11am and 6pm each Sunday and on all Feasts and Holy Days. At the 1890 Easter Vestry meeting, the Canon proposed Christchurch be closed. But the crisis was averted and the Marquess of Abergavenny came forward to help. Christchurch continued to grow with the building of the Schoolroom in 1898. By 1909, Easter communicants numbered 189.
Over the years, financial crises have come and gone; the church was clad in cedar wood in 1958—the end of an era as no more would rain beating on the corrugated iron roof drown out the vicar’s sermon. Some might say a mixed blessing! Under-pew heating means going to church no longer means dressing up in thermal underwear. It may no longer have a Sunday School, nor does it have a choir, but Christchurch remains an active Christian community in the heart of Western Abergavenny.
Services
Services are held every Sunday at 9am in the following patter - with tea and coffee served afterwards.
First Sunday of each month: Morning Prayer
Second Sunday: Holy Eucharist
Third Sunday: All Age Eucharist
Fourth Sunday: Holy Eucharist
Fifth Sunday (if applicable): Either Morning Prayer or Holy Eucharist
The Hall
Behind the church is Christchurch Hall, which can comfortably house over 80 people for sit-down meal. This adaptable space is perfect for children's parties and is currently used for yoga classes and theatre rehearsals. It has a basic kitchen and good toilet facilities. If you would like to know more, or to ensure about bookings and charges, please contact churchwarden Pansy Davies on 01873 851977.