The interest of this plain 1960s church lies in the extraordinary decoration of the interior, a recreation of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling.   

In 1937 an eighteenth century brick and flint barn known as Jupp’s Barn was purchased and converted for use as a chapel, served by clergy from St Mary of the Angels, Worthing. The building (listed grade II) survives as the parish hall. It was replaced by the present church building, built in 1968-70.

Description

The church is a utilitarian structure, a single rectangular space with the altar placed on one of the longer walls. The main walls comprise a pre-cast concrete system of frames and panel walls. Externally the walls are clad with flint panels set in a cement matrix, with Crittall windows and a pantiled roof.

In 1987, Gary Bevans, a designer and parishioner, went on a pilgrimage to Rome. He was so impressed by Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling that he resolved to replicate it in his parish church at Goring. Six years later, in 1993, he had completed this recreation, at approximately two-thirds scale. Acrylic paint was used on a white background on ply panelling. Subsequently Gary Bevans has gone on to decorate other parts of the church with marbling. The church also has abstract stained glass by Annie and Jeremy Goodman and an etched glass design depicting English Martyrs.

Entry amended by AHP 30.10.2026

Heritage Details