Shorncliffe Garrison Church (old)

[John]

Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald - Saturday 22 August 1903

CAMP GOSSIP.
How long will it be before Shorncliffe Camp has a Church worthy of the name? The present edifice was erected, from all appearances, at the time of the encampment of the German Legion, and it is time that it was demolished. The senior chaplain has, of late, had to complain of the interruptions by visitors at the service, but these are not the only interruptions. Sparrows fly from side to side in the church all day long. I believe that several of the birds build their nests within the interior of the roof, it is probably within the memory of many of my readers that Shorncliffe was at one time a mass of wooden huts, the largest of which was the Garrison Church. This building, too, had, and has still, to serve as a school.

[John]

Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald - Saturday 25 June 1904

CAMP GOSSIP.
Talking of sacred edifices reminds me some time ago I referred in this column to the numbers of birds which flew about during the parade services at the Shorncliffe Garrison Church. But now all those birds have disappeared. The visitor who misses the birds naturally asks; "Where are the sparrows?" and but for the fact that the summer is with us he might be led to believe that, like the swallows, they had gone south. But such is not the case; far from it! When the nesting season was well in, a Detachment of the Royal Engineers was detailed to clear out from under the eaves all the nests, and to place such an obstruction as would prevent the birds from entering the church. This was effectively done, and every possible obstacle was put in the way of the feathered members of the congregation. Even the doorways would not admit of their entrance, for, when the main doors are not actually admitting troops to the church, large wire doors debar the entry of the birds. Here, then, is the explanation.

[John]

Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald - Saturday 16 November 1935

Found to be Unsafe.
The Shorncliffe Garrison Church has been closed following a discovery that the super structure is in an unsafe condition. The decision to close the Church was made last week-end, and an Armistice parade which was to have been held in the building on Suday was cancelled. The Church was opened in April, 1855. It is a wooden building with accommodation for about 800. Standing on high ground overlooking Seabrook and the Channel, it is very exposed to the bad weather, and it is believed that recent gales have contributed to the Church’s condition.

A FURTHER EXAMINATION.
The Rev. J. Allan James, M.B.E., Senior Chaplain to the Forces at Shorncliffe Camp, told the "Folkestone Herald" this week that a further examination was being made by engineers and it was not then possible to say what action would be taken by the military authorities. "In the meantime," he said, "services are being held in the Pearce Hall.”

As well as the many British soldiers who have worshipped in the Church, members of the Canadian and American Expeditionary Force, quartered at Shorncliffe during the War, attended services there. In the cemetery adjoining the Church many Canadian and Belgian soldiers who died from wounds in hospital in the districts during the War are buried.

[John]

The church as it was shown on an old plan of the Military Cemetery. Extracted from WORK 43/1607 at the National Archives.

[John]

The site of the Garrison Church these days..

[John]

An old postcard showing the old Garrison Church at Shorncliffe.