www.wonershchurch.com
Parish of Wonersh with Blackheath
PARISH
CHURCH BUILDINGS
St John the Baptist Church, Wonersh
The
church is largely built in traditional style, the oldest part dating from the
11th century with additions/rebuilding in the 14th, 15th
and 18th centuries and a substantial refurbishment in 1901. It holds about 300 people when completely
full. Fuller details can be seen by
selecting history of Wonersh church. There is a peal of eight
bells .
The 1990’s saw a re-ordering at the east end of the church to improve worship communication. A later extension provides a new porch, meeting room, office, small ‘kitchen’ area and toilets.
The church is situated on the edge of the village, within a quiet churchyard, now closed for burials. The grounds are bounded by brick walls, some of them being listed structures. Good car park facilities, with external lighting, are close by within the church grounds. Additional Sunday morning car parking is provided through the kindness of the partners in the Wonersh Surgery, about 200 metres from the church.
Wonersh Church Hall - Lawnsmead
This is situated about a third of a mile from the
church, in the heart of the village. It is
a Victorian building, originally the village school, which had an extra meeting
room added twenty-five years ago for use originally by Age Concern. It has recently been improved with the
addition of a modern kitchen, toilets, new flooring and central heating. The parish youth leader has an office there
and there is a small car park. The
building is well used both as a church and community resource
St Martin’s, Blackheath
This
beautiful little church built in 1893 and was designed by the Art Nouveau
architect Charles
Harrison Townsend as a prime example of the work of the Arts and Crafts Movement It is said to have been modelled on an
Italian wayside chapel, but it is admirably suited to its surroundings on an
English heath. It is in basilican form
(oblong hall) instead of the traditional cruciform (cross shape).
Vicarage
This is a modern five-bedroom family home situated next to Wonersh church, with two reception rooms and a conservatory.
There is a sizeable garden, the rear of which is secluded. The Vicarage is reached by a drive shared with another house and the church.
The vicarage also includes the vicar’s study, with visitor access via the front door and a small lobby with toilet off, separated from the main house by an inner front door.
Cemetery
The
parish cemetery lies in a secluded location midway between Wonersh and
Blackheath. It came into use in 1900 and
has recently been extended. There is a
small chapel dedicated as “All Souls” which
has recently been repaired and redecorated, although it is not often used. The
maintenance of the Cemetery is the responsibility of the Parish.
Church Green
Next to Wonersh church, this enclosed land was the site of Wonersh House and is now a small park for the quiet recreational use of the adult residents of the village. It is not part of Church property and is looked after by independent trustees. The walls adjacent to the car-park and churchyard, mainly owned by Church Green Trust, are listed structures.