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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!