On Saturday 26thg June 2010, as part of the centenary Celebrations a coach trip was organised to see a “sister” church and St Alban’s, Charminster, Bournemouth was selected.

Why a ‘sister’ church?

St Martin’s Church was founded in 1909 and dedicated in 1911. St Alban’s Church was founded in 1907 and dedicated in 1909. Both churches serve a parish in a large community. Both are celebrating a centenary. Both churches are a similar size, have a lower vestry and a church hall. And both were designed by the noted architect George Fellowes-Prynne to a very similar design. Indeed, imagine you were sat in St Martins a few years ago, when we had wooden chairs, then imagine a mirror image of the interior, with the same features and stonework – and you’re inside St Alban’s Church.

The story continues…..

The wooden screen across the west end of St Alban’s Church was erected as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the Second World War. The very enthusiastic Sunday Club have decorated the screen to celebrate their centenary. St Alban’s have also run a fund-raising competition to sponsor a brick – the bricks in this case comprising a large drawing of the church.

Finally, the Reverend Robin Nash and the congregation at St Alban’s Church sent their best wishes and warmest regards to St Martin’s, particularly at the time of our Centenary.