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Slough has a particular claim to fame, in that the first church in Britain specifically designed to be shared by the Anglican and Roman Catholic communities was built here. It is St Andrews Shared Church in Cippenham, and it was opened in 1970.
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St. Andrews Shared Church, 2006 |
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The original St Andrews was an Anglican church, and it opened in 1934. However, as the closest Roman Catholic Church was in Burnham, in 1966 the Anglicans offered them the use of the church hall. It was not long after this that the idea of building a joint church came about. |
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The architect chosen to design the new church was Michael Hattrell. It was designed to be a multi-purpose building, used by community groups for a variety of purposes, as well as for worship. The interior can be split into four sections, allowing different activities to take place simultaneously. Building work started in 1969. Initially, it was expected to cost around £13,000, but the final cost was £84,000.
The church was opened on St Andrews Day (30th November) 1970, with a service of thanksgiving. There was a congregation of over 500, and it was attended by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Northampton, and the Anglican Bishops of Oxford and Buckingham.
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| The church is run by the Cippenham Shared Church Trust Ltd, which pays all bills relating to the church. Both denominations pay rent for the use of the church, and it is also hired out to community groups. A second-hand furniture mart is held there on Saturdays, to help with church funds. |
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St. Andrews Shared Church, 2006 |
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St Andrews Shared Church is still used by both denominations today. They hold separate services, although on occasion special joint services are held.
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St. Mary's Church
St Andrews Shared Church
Brick water-tank in garden of Edwardian house in Slough
