Daughter Churches

St George's Church, Jumpers Road, Christchurch

In the late 1890s a Sunday School was started by Mrs Alica Carter of Wick at 4 Fitzmaurice Road (the home of Mrs Whiteley). A wood and galvanised iron building was built in 1898 as a Place of Worship. The Sunday School moved there and every Sunday the Rev George Seymour, whose Christian name was used for the title of the church, drove from Southbourne in a horse and carriage to take the service.

In 1909 plans were approved for a Mission Church and School Room, and a second-hand Tin church in Brighton was bought and sent to Christchurch Railway Station in sections. It was taken by wagon to the site.

In 1911 the church was not large enough to accommodate the increased congregation, and it was decided that a larger building should be erected. An appeal was launched. The foundation stone was laid by Mr James Druitt JP in August 1927, and St George's Church was dedicated in 1928 by the Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Rev Dr Theodore Woods. At that time there was oak panelling around the sanctuary, but, unfortunately damaged by woodworm, this had to be removed in 1957.

The Centenary of the Church was celebrated in 1998. It now serves an area of the Parish of Christchurch bounded by the Rivers Avon and Stour and the main railway line from Bournemouth to London.

The stained glass windows in the apse show St George, the Patron Saint of the Church and St Paul. There is a window of Madonna and Child in the Lady Chapel.

The turret was rebuilt in 1933 to take a new bell 3.5 cwt (180 kg), made by Messrs John Taylor & Co.

The altar in the Lady Chapel is the original one from the Tin Church and on the rear pillar is a picture of a Romanian 17th century St George.

The lectern is made from 14th century oak taken from the Priory Roof when repairs were carried out in 1883.

The first organ was a pipe organ made by Bevington of London in 1870. The present organ is electronic.

The pulpit with its carved and painted picture of St George and the Dragon, provided by a legacy, was dedicated in 1958. The tapestry of the same subject was given in 1998.

Many things in the Church and the grounds, have been provided by gift or legacy from past and present members of the congregation.

For further information including details of services and events, please visit St George's website.