Christ Church, Epsom Common
with
Christ Church on the Wells

One of the most beautiful churches in Surrey (as told on Epsom Common Day)

In 1843 the population of the whole of Epsom was 3500. This number was set to grow rapidly as many cottages were being built around the Common and, since it would be a long walk to church for the expanding population, Christ church was founded as a Chapel of Ease to the Parish Church of St Martin’s. This Chapel, with seating for 140, was built on the site of the present Scout Hall and was consecrated on 1 July 1845.

By 1874 it was estimated that some 1600 people were living in the immediate area. To provide for their spiritual needs, the new Parish of Christ Church was created and, happily, financial support was already in place. Miss Elizabeth Trotter of Horton Manor had for many years tried to get a separate Ecclesiastical District formed for Christ Church. When she died she bequeathed £8,000 for the building of a new Church, including its endowment, provided that a separate District was created. Other conditions were that the new Church should be built of flint and stone and that it should have a seating capacity of not less than 450.

The cost of the completed building project, including the vicarage was £9,388 and with the endowment fund the total expenditure was £15,000. The shortfall from Miss Trotter’s £8,000 was made good by a further donation of £2,000 from the Trotter family and the balance came from the response to a public appeal.

From 1876, Christ Church Epsom Common continued to be well supported. The south aisle was added in 1879 by the generosity of Lord Rosebery, who worshipped at Christ Church when in residence at “The Durdans” During this period there were

many additions, including much of the stained glass, the marble reredos and the elaborate mosaic work. The tower was not completed until 1887 and the bells and clock were added in 1890 and 1891.

By the time Christ Church celebrated its 125 th birthday in 2001 a Church Hall had been built on the property. The interior of the Church was updated and refurbished before the development of the Epsom cluster housing projects began. The overall result being a delicate blend of glorious Victorian and Edwardian church décor with modern day furnishings.

It has been called one of the most beautiful churches in Surrey although something Red Andrew Facey said expresses its true beauty. Shortly after he took up his post, at the time of the 125th anniversary, the Vicar is quoted as saying “it has become very clear to me that his is a church loved by many and a church community which seeks to share God’s love with all.”

In as much as Christ Church was built to minister to a burgeoning population, a sister Church, Christ Church on the Wells, was formed in 1970 by a former Christ Church Curate. It later became an ecumenical church until in 1988, it came back under the authority of the Parochial Church council at Christ Church Epsom Common.

Both churches enjoy a Group Ministry with St Martin’s Church and St Barnabas. Rotation Sundays are a regular feature of this ministry in which the clergy visit and celebrate in each of the three parishes.

Jean Wright