WEST BROMPTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
This structure is worthy of special notice. It stands on a valuable freehold site, and was erected in 1866, at a cost of between £5000 and £6000, exclusive of the site. It has sittings for 1100, and owes its existence to the exertions of the present pastor, the Rev. C. Winter, who had previously preached for some time in a small chapel in Gunter Grove. The style adopted is Gothic, of the geometric decorative period. The building is faced with Kentish ragstone, and all the dressings are of Boxhill buttstone. The design consists of three central door-ways, with a large five-light traceried window over, and traceried side light; separate entrances to the staircases with panelled parapets and side roofs over; the sides and chancel end of the building are of brick; the windows in two tiers with stone dressings; the upper tier consists of circular traceried windows, and the whole design is such as to produce a very pleasing effect, which will be much increased when the tower and spire are carried up as intended. The building is entered in front by the doors before mentioned, and a spacious vestibule leads through inner lobbies to the body of the church, which occupies an area of 70 ft. by 50 ft., but including chancel and entrance lobbies its length is 106 ft. The building is surrounded on three sides with spacious galleries, supported by iron columns, handsomely decorated, running up to and supporting the roof. The ceiling is divided into bays by wood spandril arches springing from column to column, and from the columns to the walls. The chancel arch is a very effective piece of coloured brickwork, and the chancel recess is arranged with its windows and angular plan so as to add much to the general effect, which is considerably increased by a very handsome memorial window, the gift of the family of Mr. Pitts, one of the deacons of the church. The building is lighted by star-lights of an improved design suspended from the roof. The pulpit, which is spacious and handsome, is of Caen stone and stands on a platform, around which the seats are arranged concentrically, a great improvement on the ordinary rectangular pewing. The larger room under the chancel is devoted to a variety of useful purposes, such as Infant School, Sunday Schools, Day School, &c. The chapel in Gunter Grove has been converted into a Public Hall, and ultimately no doubt will prove of general use to the neighbourhood. The Sunday Schools, one of which is held at the Hall, number about 300 children.