St Alban's looks to return home after 7 years in exile

by Louise Parry

Eastbourne's oldest church building, St Alban's, has been unused for nearly seven years since it was assessed as not meeting the required earthquake building standard back in 2016. While the church has continued its worship and activities at Wellesley College hall, the parish is now keen to return to its cherished home, and plans are underway to restore the 1910 building to meet current earthquake standards.

The journey of St Alban’s during its time away from Ngaio Street has seen significant changes. The former vicar, Ellie Sanderson, has gone on to become a bishop in both New Zealand and England, and her successor, John Hughes, retired last year. Despite these transitions, regular Sunday and monthly weekday worship, as well as parish activities, have persevered thanks to the dedicated efforts of visiting priests and preachers.

St Alban’s holds a special place in the hearts of Eastbourne residents as it is not only a place of worship but also a venue for various community gatherings, concerts, and cultural events. Designed by Frederick de Jersey Clere, Wellington Diocesan architect, the church stands as a testament to his innovative use of camerated concrete for the outer walls, giving the building its unique and graceful appearance.

However, time and circumstances have changed since the church’s departure from Ngaio Street. The government has reduced the required compliance with the New Building Standard (NBS) from 68% to 34%, and new and improved earthquake-resistant materials are now available. With these changes, the original ideas and plans for the church’s restoration have become outdated, and new costings are necessary to proceed.

Over the past seven years, the Eastbourne community has remained supportive, and the parish is counting on their continued financial help for the restoration project. Fundraising efforts will include merchandise sales, events, grants, bequests, and pledges. The parish is eager to gather feedback from the community regarding the future of the church and urges everyone to participate in the discussion through the parish website or by attending the planned parish korero for open and constructive dialogue.

In the midst of changes and challenges, St Alban’s is actively seeking a new part-time vicar to lead the congregation forward in the 21st century. The parish acknowledges the generosity of Wellesley College, which has been accommodating them during their time away, but the limitations of the facilities have made the desire to return to their home even stronger.

Since the Blue Skies Day event held back in 2016, the parish has consistently received strong support from the community for keeping the church open and operational. Now, before embarking on an extensive fundraising campaign, the parish seeks reassurance that the community’s stance remains unchanged.

St Alban's people's warden Joy Baird says the future of St Alban’s Church in Ngaio Street is at a critical juncture, and the parish is dedicated to restoring its historic home to meet modern safety standards.

"With the support of the Eastbourne community, we hope this cherished landmark will continue to serve as a place of worship and a hub for cultural and community activities for generations to come," she says.