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The Centenary

2009 saw the start of the Centenary celebrations of St Martin’s Church. These celebrations began on 4th October 2009 when Bishop John came as Celebrant for the Sung Eucharist and to share in the service of thanksgiving for the laying of the Foundation Stone on 9th October 1909.

Variousa open days, exhibitions, social events and occasions were held during the period October 2009 to june 2011 to celebrate 100 years in the life of the church – but also it provided an opportunity to take stock spiritually and address the mission ministry to the local community and further afield.

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In this connection the church's Standing Committee co-ordinatined different innovations and initiatives e.g.
  The History – compiled in 1986 to commemorate 75 years of the church is being revised /reprinted and published as second edition together with an up-to-date Visitor’s Guide The Magazine Committee and Archive Group have researched and published articles about aspects of the parish and church:
  - How many rectors and rectories have we had?
  - How has the organ developed since first installed in 1928?
  - What part did the church play in the war effort?
  - How many weddings and baptisms have taken place? etc.
This information has formed the basis of fascinating Exhibitions relating to the life of the Parish.

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If you are interested in this research – please contact the Magazine Editor. We will put material on the website.
  Social events, visits and outings includied one to a “sister” church St Alban, Bournemouth designed by the same architect, G H Fellowes Prynne, to almost exactly the same plan as St Martin’s The resemblance, inside and out, is quite uncanny though St Alban’s is two years older than St Martin's!
  * Memorabilia to mark the occasion has includied a range of notelets and greetings cards and
  beautifully embroidered bookmarks for everyone
  * A legacy within the church, eg. the Bel;l tower, Zimblestern on the organ wtc. has commerated the Centenary.

The two years culminated in a service celebrating the Centenary of the Consecration of St Martin’s Church held on Saturday 11th June 1911 t followed by a buffet lunch.

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