St Ambrose, Westbourne, Bournemouth - 01202 766772 (answerphone)

The Parish Church of Westbourne, Bournemouth.

From early meetings in Middle Road and Seamoor House, through a temporary structure while a mission church (now Alumhurst Day Centre) was built, to the present parish church that celebrated its centerary with the millennium, St Ambrose has been at the spiritual heart of Westbourne.

The present site, at the top of Alum Chine, was the gift of Mr Cooper Dean. The 15th century Perpendicular design was by Charles Hodgson Fowler, then consulting architect to Durham Cathedral, with reredos and font cover by Temple Moore.

The foundation stone was laid on 20th October, 1898, by Mrs Abel Smith (wife of the local MP). Messrs Bowman of Stamford were the builders. The church was dedicated on 10th October, 1900, by Rt Rev Randall Davidson GCVO, PC, Bishop of Winchester. Eleven days later the saintly Dr Edward King (now commemorated in the Church of England's lectionary) preached in St Ambrose' Church on the text: "In this place will I give peace." With the tower completed and the debt paid off the church was Consecrated by Dr E H Ryle, Bishop of Winchester, on 14th May, 1907. The district was gazetted as a separate parish in October, 1921, and the first separate Parish Magazine appeared in April, 1922.

The freehold Vicarage was built behind the church, without aid from the Diocese, designed by Reynolds & Tomlins to a detailed specification by the PCC, and built by F Hoare & Sons in 1929.

St Ambrose is the (Church of England) parish church of Westbourne, Bournemouth. Maintaining a broad Anglican ethos in a gently catholic atmosphere, it provides a peaceful sanctuary for reflection, prayer, devotion and spirituality. St Ambrose Church grew from the Oxford Movement reviving ceremonial, colour and drama in worship (incense is used) and the Eucharist is central to its worship. It is a member of the Forward In Faith movement (Resolutions A, B, and C) and, whilst part of the Diocese of Winchester, has been granted episcopal oversight by the Bishop of Richborough as Provincial Episcopal Visitor. The regular services are:

SUNDAYS
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (traditional language)
10:00 a.m. Sung Eucharist (contemporary language)
6:00 p.m. Evensong (BCP).

Weekday services on TUESDAYS, FRIDAYS and major FEASTS & FASTS
Tuesdays: 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist (in the Lady Chapel)
Fridays: 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (in the Lady Chapel)
For full details see noticeboards.

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Geographically, the parish extends from the old County Borough boundary in the west (between the Avenue and Alumhurst Road), the old railway line in the north (Wessex Way), Middle Chine in the east (Clarendon Road and Queens Road), and the sea in the south.

In addition to the main commercial shopping area of Westbourne the parish includes many hotels; guest houses; second, rest, and retirement homes. This means that the main focus of ministry is on the mature resident population together with visitors and holidaymakers.


ARCHITECTURE

The church building was designed by Charles Hodgson Fowler, in the fifteenth century Perpendicular style, and can seat over 800 people. However, most congregations and gatherings are very much smaller and the Victorian wooden seating is normally reduced to reflect this. The high altar reredos and font cover were designed by Temple Moore, most of the stained glass is by Burlison & Grylls though the west window is by James Powell, and some glass from the previous church is also incorporated. Other elements of the previous church include the wrought iron rood screen and brass eagle lectern. Other furnishings of interest include the Italian marble pulpit, carved oak choir stalls, the alabaster Lady Chapel reredos, and the large sculptures of saints in the niches.

The building has recently undergone £638,000 of restoration following fire damage but is open for all the usual services and concerts.

The Rev Adrian Pearce was licensed as Priest-in-Charge on Thursday, 25th April, 2013, at 6:30pm by the Bishops of Southampton and of Richborough.

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CHURCH HALL
The Church Hall (behind the church) may be hired, subject to availability (booking enquiries via Parish Office answerphone).
West Cliff Pre-School, a fully approved pre-school nursery, operates Monday to Friday mornings. Other regular groups include, Bridge, Whist, Circle Dancing, Yoga, Positive Living Group, residents associations, etc.

ORCHESTRA
The 50-strong Westbourne Orchestral Society rehearses in the church on Friday evenings and provides three concert programmes a year plus other musical activities.
www.westbourne-orchestra.co.uk