The West hill Presbyterians. On the 26 of June, the committee of the United Prestyterian church announced to their friends and the public generally, that they had obtained a lease of the church on the West Hill at St Leonards, and that public worship would be conducted in it every Lords Day, at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p. m.
St. Mary's Chapel - more usually called the church of St. Mary in the Castle - was re-opened on Sunday, Sept. 25th, after the extensive alterations and improvements which it had previously undergone the congregation at each of the services was unusually large, and very considerable comfort was experienced in the adaptations for light and ventilation. The Rev. F. Vores preached in the morning, and the Rev. J.W. Tottenham in the afternoon. A sum of £60 was contributed, notwithstanding that the Incumbent stated that he did not expect the congregation to pay for the alterations.
A New Church. In the month of October it was in contemplation to build a church on a portion of land on the Eversfield estate at Upper Maze Hill, a short distance above the archway known as North Lodge. The building was to be of a durable construction and an ornament as well as a convenience to the locality. Pending the necessary preliminaries, it was intended within the next two months to place near the site an iron church as a temporary place of worship, for which the Bishop had given his consent. This, however was not put into execution during that year.
The Congregational Church. On the 23rd of February, the Prince and Princess of Wales took their departure from St Leonards after a brief sojourn and on the same day, the first stone of a new building to be called by the above title was laid in solemn form. In the short space of eight months a beautiful edifice had been raised. Although barely completed, the schoolroom in the basement had been ready for several weeks, and services were there held until Thursday, the 1sth of October, when the church itself was in a sufficiently forward state to admit of a formal opening. It was therefore arranged that there should be on that day two full services and that the interval should be employed in a social gathering of members and friends around refreshment tables in the spacious school room. Although the weather was unfavourable, there were about 350 persons at the morning service and 200 at the dinner. The opening sermon was preached by the Nev. Samuel Marlin, of Westminster and the other part of the morning service was taken respectively by the Revs. A. Reed (the pastor), W. Barker (Hastings) and A. Foyster (Eastbourne). The musical adjuncts were conducted by Mr. Lindridge, and at the bountiful collation provided by the congregation, T Spalding Esq. of one place, presided. The church was designed by Edward Habershon, Esq. and built by Mr. Simpson, both gentlemen of London, at a cost of about £8,000. There was a collection after the morning service in aid of the building fund; also after a well attended evening service.
