Our History

St Andrew The Apostle was built between 1885 and 1886 in the Early English Gothic style, designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield. It was consecrated and opened for public worship by Dr Durnford Lord Bishop of Chichester on August 1, 1888.

“I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving” (Father Gilbert Moor). These are the words quoted from psalm 116 by one of the first priests at the Church of St Andrew the Apostle in 1889.

St Andrew the Apostle is a beautiful example of flint and stone building work and has been listed as Grade II by English Heritage. The church has a fascinating history from its Alfred Hunter & Son organ to the Lady Chapel.

Stained Glass and Carvings

Inside, the fittings are ornate and extensive. Charles Eamer Kempe provided most of the stained glass and an intricately carved wooden reredos. The "Worthing Madonna" represents the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus, stands in a recess in the apse of the Lady chapel, and was executed in Caen stone by sculptor Harry Hems of Exeter, Devon. The stone has a gold and dark red mosaic-style border. N. Hems also made the font, a stone structure in the baptistery, although Arthur Blomfield drew up the design.

Kempe’s-stained glass is extensive: all but four windows in the church feature his designs, and these exceptions were the work of his cousin and collaborator Walter Tower. Scenes portrayed include the Nativity of Jesus, the Epiphany, John the Evangelist, John the Baptist and several other saints, the Resurrection of Jesus and the Twelve Apostles. In addition, one of Kempe's earliest known windows—designed for All Souls Church in Brighton and depicting Mary, Martha and the Four Evangelists—was retrieved from that church when it was demolished in the 1960s and was installed in St Andrew’s.

The church has a fascinating history from its Alfred Hunter & Son organ to the Lady Chapel.

More about the church history and architecture can be found on Wikipedia

Contact us & Find us

St Andrew the Apostle Church

between Victoria Road and Clifton Road, Worthing BN11 1XB, West Sussex