Abbey United Reformed Church Abbey Water Romsey

THE ABBEY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, ROMSEY. The memorial stone of the new Congregational Church, at Romsey, was laid yesterday, by Mr. James Spicer. JP, DL, in the presence of a large number of the congregation and friends. The building which has been demolished, claimed a history of wider and deeper interest than the Congregational Churches of the country possessed, and its memorials have an interest extending far beyond its immediate locality. The old church had become unsuited for its purpose. The spiritual work was greatly hindered by the inconvenient and inferior character of the building, which was also in an unsound condition. To rectify its defects and so remodel it so as to bring it into harmony with modern requirements would have necessitated a heavy outlay, while the result would not permanently satisfy the needs of the church.  It was, therefore, wisely determined to erect a new building upon the old site, at an outlay of about £6,000. ... The archway, which was a characteristic feature of 16th Century work, is to be rebuilt in its present condition, and the architects, Messrs. Paull and Bonella, of London, have adopted that as the architectural key of a really beautiful design. In a practical sense the adaptability of the arrangements and general internal treatment of the new church to its specific purposes leaves nothing to be desired, and the external walls will be faced with field flints, obtained from the surrounding district, while the architectural features will be executed in Bath stone. Messrs Bull and Sons, of Southampton, are the builders. The style of the new church is Gothic, with tower. There are eight elaborate windows in the sides, and the seats will be semi-circular, with radiating aisles from the pulpit. There are Dorcas, class, Deacons', and other rooms, and the heating and ventilation is to be upon the Hayden principle.  ….  The stone bore the following inscription: "This memorial stone was laid by James Spicer, JP, DL, on the 7th day of September, 1886, on behalf of the Congregational Church, founded by the Rev. Thomas Warren. MA, formerly rector of Houghton, in this county, AD 1662." [Hampshire Advertiser 5 September 1886 page 4]

Reference           Hampshire Advertiser 5 September 1886 page 4