A variation of a standard product offered in the 1950s and 60s by Messrs. Lanner of Wakefield, based on a portal frame of laminated timber trusses.

Before World War II Hawkhurst was served occasionally by the travelling mission, Mass being said at the home of Sir Reginald and Lady Tyrwhitt, Ellerslie House, Gills Green. In 1943 the diocese purchased the site of the present church which was built and opened in 1964.

Description

The church is a variation of a standard portal frame design by Messrs Lanner Ltd of Wakefield. It comprises a small nave, sanctuary, side chapels, a large sacristy, small baptistery and porch. It is of ‘rustic’ brick under a tiled roof for the main part and flat roofs elsewhere. The nave has large full-height windows whilst the entrance front has the characteristic glazed centre section with ‘staggered bond’ glazing bar pattern. The windows have largely been replaced in uPVC. The interior is dominated by laminated timber arched trusses of boomerang shape. The furnishings are largely contemporary; they include some older pieces and more recent sanctuary furnishing, none of special note. The small organ was acquired from Goudhurst Methodist church.

Heritage Details