St Andrew's Church, Worthing

St Andrew's Church in Worthing, West Sussex, stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of religious history and architectural splendor in the region. This Anglican church, dedicated to St Andrew the Apostle, was constructed between 1885 and 1886. Designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield, a distinguished figure in the Gothic Revival movement, the church has endured both admiration and controversy throughout its history.

The Historical Context

The 19th century was a period of significant growth and change for Worthing. From a modest population of about 2,000 in 1801, the town expanded to approximately 14,000 residents by 1881. This era of growth coincided with a revival in Anglican worship, particularly influenced by the Oxford Movement, which sought to reintroduce High Church practices within Anglicanism. This movement, however, was not without its opponents.

Sussex, known for its religious conservatism, became a battleground for theological disputes. Traditional Protestant Anglicans viewed the Catholic-style worship practices of the Anglo-Catholics with suspicion. This tension was palpable in Worthing, where the Bonfire Boys would burn effigies of prominent Tractarians, reflecting the local animosity towards these new religious practices.

The Birth of St Andrew's Church

In the early 1880s, a group of High Church Anglo-Catholic Anglicans sought to establish a church in central Worthing. George Wedd, a prominent local figure, spearheaded the initiative, purchasing land and funding the construction. The foundation stone was laid on June 13, 1885, and the church was completed the following year.

However, the establishment of St Andrew's Church was not without controversy. The proposal to create a new parish by taking territory from existing churches in the town was met with resistance. Clergy from St Mary's, Christ Church, and Holy Trinity argued that their parishes were already stretched thin and that the location of the new church was in an area already well-served by other Anglican establishments.

The Worthing Madonna Dispute

As the church neared completion in late 1886, a new controversy emerged. The inclusion of a Lady Chapel with a statue of the Virgin and Child, referred to as the Worthing Madonna, sparked outrage among opponents of Anglo-Catholic worship. They viewed the statue as a symbol of idolatry and a return to Catholic practices, which the English Reformation had sought to abolish.

The consecration of the church, initially planned for 1886, was postponed due to the strong opposition. A petition to halt the consecration was presented to the Bishop of Chichester, but he ultimately decided to proceed. The church was finally consecrated on August 1, 1888, by Bishop Richard Durnford, following a failed appeal to the House of Lords.

Architectural Splendor

Arthur Blomfield's design for St Andrew's Church is a stunning example of Early English Gothic architecture. The cruciform building, constructed with brick clad in flint and dressed with Bath stone, features a nave with aisles, transepts, a chancel, and a Lady Chapel. The church's tall, narrow structure is a striking presence on its east-west oriented site.

Inside, the church is adorned with ornate fittings and extensive stained glass, much of which was designed by Charles Eamer Kempe. The Worthing Madonna, crafted from Caen stone by sculptor Harry Hems, stands in a recess in the apse of the Lady Chapel. The church's stained glass windows depict various biblical scenes, including the Nativity, the Epiphany, and the Resurrection, adding to the church's rich visual narrative.

Vestry and Vicarage

The former vestry, now a hall, was added to the church in 1908-09 by T.R. Hide. This flint and stone structure features gently arched Perpendicular-style windows, adding to the overall Gothic aesthetic of the church complex. The vicarage, listed separately at Grade II, is another testament to the architectural coherence and historical significance of the site.

A Living Monument

Since its opening, St Andrew's Church has seen gradual enhancements to its interior decoration. Significant additions include a marble altar in the chancel, a rood screen, and various altars in the transepts. The church also houses a war memorial shrine designed by Charles Eamer Kempe, installed in 1919 to honor local war dead.

St Andrew's Church remains a vital part of Worthing's religious and cultural landscape. Its rich history, architectural beauty, and the stories embedded within its walls make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the heritage of West Sussex. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, St Andrew's Church offers a unique and enriching experience.