|
Although it can no longer be verified, it is
generally accepted that in 1908 a team from Coleman Street Gospel Hall
(became Coleman Street Chapel which is now closed) in central Southend held a Tent Mission on
what is now the corner of the London Road and Chalkwell Park Avenue
(just over the road from the Park itself).
A few people became Christians and under the leadership of a small group
from Coleman Street began meeting locally. At first this was probably in a member's house,
but eventually they met in what appears to have been a Congregational Chapel on
the present site. This was a "Tin Tabernacle" - built of wood but clad
in sheets of corrugated iron.
The first minutes book of the "Oversight"
record that the first meetings in what was renamed Alexander Gospel Hall
took place in late 1910. By the way, we have no idea why it was so
called; supposition ranges from "it was named after Charles Alexander
(the famous hymn writer)" to "Mr Alexander gave the money that enabled
the building to be bought from the Congregational Church" - we would be
grateful for any other ideas or, even better, the true reason!
The church seems to have had a very busy ministry to the many members of
the Armed Services that were stationed in and around Southend during the
First World War.
The Tin Tabernacle was used until about 1920 when, in the memory of some
older members who passed away only a few years ago, it was moved to the
back of the site using horses and rollers. The current "Main Hall" was
then built, and was opened in 1924.
Modern history starts in the late 1970s when the Main Hall was
remodelled to its present layout, completely redecorated in a more
up-to-date colour scheme, and provided with a carpeted floor and new
chairs. This took a few years, but when it was finished, we realised that
the "Back Hall" was in a serious, if not terminal(!), condition. It was
therefore demolished and the current building erected, with the Official
Opening being in 1985.
More to follow! |